The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a former Director of Finance and Supply at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, Kwara State, Ibitoye Olajide Moses, before the Kwara State High Court over alleged multi-million naira contract fraud and abuse of office.
According to a statement issued by the Commission’s spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, the defendant was brought before Justice H.A. Saleeman on a 24-count charge bordering on conferring unfair advantage, acquisition of private interests in public contracts, misappropriation of funds, and making false statements to investigators.
At the arraignment, Moses pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against him.
Following his plea, defence counsel, Oluwasheye Adeboye, applied for bail, a request that was not opposed by the prosecution counsel, David Nwaze. The court subsequently granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties resident within the court’s jurisdiction, one of whom must possess landed property.
The matter was thereafter adjourned to May 26, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
ICPC investigations revealed that the former finance director allegedly used his position to influence the award of several contracts worth tens of millions of naira to companies in which he had direct and indirect interests.
Among the allegations, the Commission accused Moses of benefiting from a ₦48.52 million contract for entrepreneurship training on oil palm production for women in Akwa Ibom State, awarded to Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd, a company in which he is allegedly a director and shareholder.
He was also accused of deriving financial benefits from a ₦29.95 million contract for dry season farming training and a ₦40 million contract for youth and women empowerment in agricultural value chains, both reportedly awarded to the same company.
In another instance, the defendant allegedly obtained an indirect benefit of ₦550,000 from a ₦28.85 million contract awarded to Synergy Impact Consulting Ltd.
The charges further detail contracts valued at ₦15.8 million, ₦14.96 million, ₦10 million, and ₦19.83 million, among others, in which the defendant allegedly had interests and is accused of influencing the procurement process in favour of affiliated companies.
The prosecution also alleged that Moses dishonestly misappropriated ₦3 million, said to have been collected as administrative charges on contracts awarded by ARMTI.
Additionally, the Commission claimed that the defendant maintained active involvement in Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd while serving in public office, alongside his wife, who is also said to be a director and signatory to the company’s accounts.
One of the counts further accuses the former director of making false statements to investigators by denying his directorship and financial dealings with the companies under investigation—claims the prosecution said were contradicted by documentary evidence.
The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and tender documentary exhibits when the trial begins on May 26, 2026.
