Appeal Court Refuses Bail For Ex-FCTA Director Jailed For N319M Fraud In The ICPC Case

The Court of Appeal, Abuja, has refused the application for bail pending appeal filed by Mr. Garba Mohammed Dukku, a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), who was convicted and sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment for the diversion of public funds amounting to approximately N319 million.
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Mr. Dukku had approached the Court of Appeal seeking to be admitted to bail pending the determination of his appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which sentenced him to a total of 24 years imprisonment for corruption and money laundering offences.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal held that the Appellant/Applicant failed to show any exceptional circumstance to warrant the exercise of the Court’s discretion in granting bail pending appeal. The Court consequently refused the application.

The Court, however, granted an accelerated hearing of the substantive appeal in order to ensure the expeditious determination of the matter.

Mr. Dukku was convicted by the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Honourable Justice James Omotosho, on six counts bordering on corruption and money laundering in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022.

The ICPC had established during trial that between 2012 and 2013, Mr. Dukku fraudulently diverted a total sum of N318,250,000 belonging to the AMMC into his personal Fidelity Bank account in various tranches, including N56.25 million, N71 million, N53 million, N54 million, N46 million, and N36.3 million.

The Commission further proved that the diverted funds were subsequently transferred to Bureau de Change operators for unauthorized purposes.

Although Mr. Dukku claimed during trial that the funds were handed over to his superiors, the Federal High Court dismissed the defence for lack of credible evidence and held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Omotosho consequently sentenced the convict to four years’ imprisonment on each of the six counts, amounting to a total jail term of 24 years. The Court also imposed an option of fine equivalent to five times the amount involved in each count, totaling approximately N1.6 billion.

The ICPC welcomes the decision of the Court of Appeal refusing bail pending appeal and views it as a reaffirmation of the principle that applications for such relief must be supported by exceptional and compelling circumstances.

Appeal Court

The Commission remains resolute in its commitment to the diligent prosecution of corruption cases and the protection of public resources from abuse and misappropriation.

J. Okor Odey
Head, Media and Public Communications, ICPC
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IGP Disu Unveils CNG Buses Donated By Sterling Oil At Force Headquarters

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Riliwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, today officially unveiled two (2) newly acquired Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses donated to the Nigeria Police Force by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
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The unveiling ceremony was attended by Senior Police officers alongside key executive management from SEEPCO, including the Managing Director, Mr. Mohit Barot; Director of Business Development, Mr. Raj Bhargava; and its Public Relations Officer and other officials.

Speaking at the event, IGP Disu commended Sterling Oil for its generous corporate social responsibility initiative, emphasizing that the eco-friendly CNG buses will significantly enhance welfare logistics and operational mobility for personnel.

IGP Disu Unveils CNG Buses

The leadership of SEEPCO reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting security agencies and bolstering public safety efforts across the nation.
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ICPC Charges Security Personnel On Professional Conduct, Says “First Impressions Last”

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged officers of its Internal Security and Support Unit (ISSU) to recognise that their conduct at the reception desk is more than a mere formality; it is a direct reflection of the Commission’s integrity and commitment to public trust.
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The admonition came during a one-day sensitisation and capacity-building programme held recently at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja, designed to sharpen the skills of ISSU personnel who serve as the frontline ambassadors of the anti-graft agency.

Representing the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, the Director of Legal Services, Mr. Henry Emore, underscored that the manner in which visitors are received leaves an indelible impression on the public perception of the ICPC.

“While professionalism and courtesy must guide your interactions, vigilance and firmness in executing security protocols remain equally non-negotiable,” Emore stated. He expressed optimism that the training would empower officers with the requisite competencies to discharge their duties with excellence and distinction.

In her welcome address, the Service Improvement Officer, Mrs. Chinenye Thelma Ani, noted that the programme was meticulously designed to acknowledge the pivotal role ISSU personnel play as the Commission’s first point of contact with citizens.

The training, she explained, would strengthen capacities in customer service, effective communication, conflict management, protocol adherence, and other critical areas that foster efficient service delivery and bolster public confidence in the Commission’s operations.

Describing the initiative as timely, the Head of the Internal Security and Support Unit, Mr. Henry Hwande, reminded participants that their duties often demand split-second decisions in high-pressure situations. He urged officers to approach the sessions with open minds, leveraging the opportunity to refine their professional edge.

ICPC

The event featured a paper presentation by Mrs. Nneka Oleh, Deputy Team Leader for ICPC from the National SERVICOM office, who dissected “The Components of Effective Service Delivery”; offering participants practical frameworks for balancing security imperatives with hospitality standards.

As the ICPC continues its crusade against corruption, the message resonates clearly: the battle for public trust begins not in the courtroom, but at the Commission’s entrance.
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