The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. Garuba Mohammed Duku, over corruption and money laundering involving the sum of ₦318 million.
Mr. Duku was sentenced to 24 years imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, after being found guilty on a six-count charge of corruption and money laundering filed by the ICPC in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022.
In a statement by the Director of Public Enlightenment and Education and Spokesperson of the Commission, Demola Bakare, the ICPC disclosed that investigations revealed how the convict fraudulently diverted ₦318,250,000 belonging to the AMMC into his personal account domiciled in Fidelity Bank Plc between 2012 and 2013.
The anti-corruption agency detailed that the funds were received through multiple payments of ₦56.25 million, ₦71 million, ₦53 million, ₦54 million, ₦46 million, and ₦36.3 million, which were subsequently transferred to Bureau de Change operators and used for unauthorized purposes.
During the trial, the Commission successfully demonstrated that the defendant’s method of releasing and withdrawing funds was fraudulent and in violation of extant government financial regulations.
Mr. Duku’s defense that the monies were disbursed to his superiors was dismissed by the court, as he failed to provide any evidence to support the claim.
Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the ICPC proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and consequently sentenced the convict to four years imprisonment on each of the six counts, to run concurrently. Alternatively, the court imposed a fine equivalent to five times the amount stated in each count, totaling about ₦1.6 billion.
The ICPC described the judgment as another testament to its unwavering commitment to upholding accountability in public service and ensuring that those who abuse public trust are held responsible under the law.