News
ICPC Secures Final Victory As Court Affirms Conviction In ₦68 Million Union Fraud Case
ICPC Secures Final Victory As Court Affirms Conviction In ₦68 Million Union Fraud Case
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recorded a landmark judicial victory as the Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed the conviction and sentence of three individuals in Appeal No. SC/CR/592/2020, thereby bringing to a definitive close a protracted legal battle spanning over a decade.
The apex court, in a unanimous judgment, upheld the earlier decisions of both the High Court of Ogun State and the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, affirming the conviction of the Appellant and dismissing the appeal for lacking merit.
The case originated from the conviction of one Mr. Yusuf Temilade alongside two other defendants, Adeyemi Alaba Samuel and Amuludun Tosin, who were non-academic staff of Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State, and members of the executive committee of the institution’s Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).
The defendants held key positions as Chairman, Secretary, and Acting Treasurer of the Union and were entrusted with the management of union funds.
Investigations by the ICPC revealed that sometime in 2011, the Union secured a loan facility of approximately ₦68 million from a commercial bank for disbursement to about 120 staff members. The disbursement process required strict institutional oversight, including authentication by the Provost and Registrar of the College.
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However, the defendants abused their positions by diverting funds, drawing amounts in excess of approved limits, and facilitating payments to individuals who were not staff of the institution.
Following a petition and subsequent investigation, the ICPC charged the defendants with conspiracy and abuse of office by conferring corrupt advantage on themselves and others, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The defendants were arraigned before the High Court of Ogun State sitting in Abeokuta on a seven-count charge. During the trial, the prosecution called witnesses and tendered documentary evidence establishing the culpability of the accused persons.
On June 13, 2017, the trial court delivered judgment, convicting the defendants on counts 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7, and sentencing them to five years imprisonment, with the sentences to run concurrently.
Dissatisfied with the judgment of the trial court, the Appellant approached the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division. On December 6, 2019, the appellate court, in a majority decision, affirmed the conviction and dismissed the appeal for lacking merit.
Still aggrieved, the Appellant further appealed to the Supreme Court.
After hearing arguments from both parties on January 22, 2026, the Supreme Court, in its judgment delivered on April 17 2026, unanimously affirmed the decisions of the lower courts and dismissed the appeal.
In its landmark decision, the Supreme Court clarified the scope of who qualifies as a public officer under the ICPC Act, holding that individuals cannot evade accountability by operating under the guise of union or cooperative society leadership.
The Court emphasized that accepting such a defence would effectively legitimize corrupt practices by public officers who exploit alternative platforms to siphon funds meant for collective benefit.
This pronouncement significantly strengthens the Commission’s oversight over funds managed by unions, cooperatives, and similar bodies linked to public institutions.
ICPC
The judgment has far-reaching implications for anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria. It removes any ambiguity regarding the liability of union executives who are public officers and affirms the ICPC’s authority to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices involving such entities.
It also serves as a strong deterrent against abuse of entrusted positions in both formal public service and affiliated bodies.
With this final determination by the Supreme Court, all legal issues arising from the case have been conclusively resolved, marking the end of approximately eleven years of litigation.
The ICPC reiterates its unwavering commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management of public resources.
The Commission also commends its prosecution team, led by Enosa Omoghibo, Deputy Director, Legal Services Department, for their diligence and professionalism in securing this significant victory.
J. Okor Odey
Head, Media and Public Communications, ICPC
Former Deputy Governor Of Kano Quits ADC, One Month After Joining Party
The ex-deputy governor joined the ADC on April 5, receiving his membership card at a well-attended event in Gwarzo, Kano.
Aminu Gwarzo, former deputy governor of Kano, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), exactly a month after joining the party from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
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His move came six days after Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of the state, joined the party on March 30 from the NNPP, the platform on which he contested the 2023 presidential election.
However, on Sunday, Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra, quit the ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing “wide-ranging consultations” and uncertainties over the party’s future.
Shortly after, Kwankwaso appealed to his supporters to join the NDC and back his “renewed fight for true democracy” in Nigeria.
In a letter dated May 1, personally signed by him and addressed to the chairman of the ADC ward in Gwarzo LGA, the former deputy governor, widely seen as Kwankwaso’s political ally in the state, announced his resignation from the party.
He said the “decision comes after deep reflection and wide consultations” with his political associates, supporters, and well-wishers across the state.
However, he did not specify his next political destination.
“Recent political developments and the evolving political landscape have made it necessary for me to review my membership in the interest of the people and the future of our state and the nation,” he said.
“My decision is informed by patriotic consideration and the need to pursue a political path that aligns with my vision for good governance, democratic values, and sustainable development of our dear state.”
ADC
Gwarzo thanked the ADC leadership and members in the state for their cooperation, respect, and support during his time in the party.
“I remain grateful for the opportunity accorded me under the platform of the party. Please accept my highest regards and best wishes,” he added.
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Aminu Gwarzo
Ex-Kano deputy governor
News
Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of Two Vehicles Recovered From Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Lagos
Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of Two Vehicles Recovered From Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Lagos
Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, May 4, 2026, ordered the interim forfeiture of two vehicles linked to suspected internet fraudsters, Christopher Chikudozie Ubammadu and James Femi Joshua.
The vehicles are two grey-coloured Lexus ES 350 cars with registration numbers SMK-774JN and EKY-753JZ.
The judge gave the order, following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through its counsel, H.U. Kofarnaisa.
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Moving the application for interim forfeiture, Kofarnaisa told the court that it was supported by an affidavit deposed to by Nwike Fortune, an investigating officer with the EFCC.
In the affidavit, Nwike stated that the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Commission received intelligence regarding the activities of suspected internet fraudsters operating in the Apapa area of Lagos State.
He also stated that operatives of the Commission, on January 29, 2026, carried out a sting operation during which several suspects were apprehended and the vehicles were recovered from their residences.
Fortune further stated that since the vehicles were impounded and brought to the Commission’s office, no individual had come forward to claim ownership.
Further investigations, he said, revealed that both vehicles are owned by Ubammadu and Joshua. He added that the suspects allegedly used proceeds of fraudulent activities to acquire the vehicles.
Court
Kofarnaisa, therefore, submitted that the vehicles were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. Justice Owoeye granted the application after considering the evidence presented.
The judge also directed the Commission to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper and ordered any interested party to appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the vehicles should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria
EFCC Arraigns Man For Alleged N85.5m Land Fraud In Enugu
The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Udemba John Chibuzor before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu.
The defendant was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence to the tune N85, 500, 000. 00 (Eighty-five Million, Five hundred thousand Naira).
Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Udemba John Chibuzor, sometime on the 6th day of December 2024 in Enugu, Enugu State of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit a felony to wit: with intent to defraud, obtained by false pretence the sum of N30, 000, 000. 00 (Thirty million Naira only) from Decent Purch Services & Repairs when you presented yourself as the owner of a property known as “Nitel Staff Quarters” situated at Zik Avenue, Uwani and sold same to them knowing fully well that the said property has been sold to one Mr. Ogbodo Augustine Chimezie, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act. No. 14 of 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”.
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Count two of the charge reads: “That you, Udemba John Chibuzor, sometime on the 9th day of January 2025 in Enugu, Enugu State of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit a felony to wit: with intent to defraud, obtained by false pretence the sum of N55, 500, 000. 00 (Fifty-five million, Five hundred thousand Naira only) from Decent Purch Services & Repairs when you presented yourself as the owner of a property known as “Nitel Staff Quarters” situated at Zik Avenue, Uwani and sold same to them knowing fully well that the said property has been sold to one Mr. Ogbodo Augustine Chimezie, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act. No. 14 of 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”.
The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. In view of his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Faruk Abdullah prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at the Correctional facility.
The matter was thereafter adjourned to June 3, 2026 for trial, while the defendant was remanded at the Correctional facility.
EFCC
The defendant was arrested when he allegedly sold a property known as “Nitel Staff Quarters” situated in Zik Avenue in Uwani area of Enugu State to Decent Purch Services & Repairs.
He fraudulently presented himself as the owner of the said property. After collecting N85, 500, 000. 00 for the property from the petitioner, the defendant switched off his phone and became incommunicado.
The petitioner later discovered that the defendant allegedly used the same property to defraud other unsuspecting victims.
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