ICPC: Civil servant arraigned for alleged payroll fraud, money laundering

Abuja, Nigeria – Oseni Adeolu Olayinka, a civil servant with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, faces serious charges in court.

He has been specifically arraigned before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, due to charges of money laundering and corruption.

Furthermore, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a three-count charge against Olayinka.

Olayinka allegedly smuggled his wife and son into the ministry’s Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). Consequently, he unlawfully received salaries that were deposited into their bank accounts.

According to court documents, Olayinka funneled N2,843,524.41 through his wife Mrs. Mngohol Christiana Agaku’s Stanbic IBTC Bank account. Furthermore, the ICPC claims these funds are proceeds of corruption, violating Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Thus, he faces punishment under Section 18 (3) of the same law.

The accused serves as an Executive Officer at the ministry and pleaded not guilty to all charges before Honourable Justice Obiora Egwuatu. In response to the charges, he maintained his innocence during the proceedings, indicating his intention to contest the accusations.

Following his plea, Olayinka’s counsel, Paul Asimiakeokha, requested bail on liberal terms. The prosecution counsel, C.K. Igwedibia, did not oppose this request. Consequently, Justice Egwuatu granted bail to the defendant but imposed stringent conditions to ensure compliance.

Olayinka needed to post a bond of five million naira. Additionally, he had to provide a surety who was a federal civil servant, holding at least grade level 12.

The surety must also present their employment and promotion letters, own a verifiable landed property in Abuja, and meet other stipulated requirements.

The court has adjourned the matter to April 29th for the commencement of trial.

This case underscores ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat corruption within public institutions. The ICPC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.

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