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Tag: Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC)

  • ICPC arrests poly rector for forging PhD certificate

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has arrested a polytechnic rector over alleged forgery of a doctorate degree certificate.

    Spokesperson of the commission, Mrs Rasheedat Okoduwa, said this in a statement on Monday,

    Okoduwa identified the suspect as Olaolu Olugbenga, Rector of Igbajo Polytechnic, Igbajo, Osun, who was also a former Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of Oduduwa University in Ogun.

    Read also : Why Obasanjo is angry, by Presidency

    She said that preliminary investigations conducted by ICPC operatives on a petition revealed that Olugbenga was actually working with a suspected fake PhD certificate purportedly from the University of Ibadan.

    During interrogation at the Ibadan office of the commission where he is being held, the suspect insisted in his statement that the certificate was genuine, according to Okoduwa.

    She said that the action, if proved, violates Section 465 of the Criminal Code and Section 25 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 respectively.

    “Further action in accordance with the laws will be taken at the conclusion of investigation,’’ she said.

  • Projects’ probe: ICPC withdraws charge against NDDC boss

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has withdrawn the two-count charge it filed against the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nsima Ekere.

    ICPC had, in the charged marked: CR/187/2018, accused NDDC and Ekere of refusing to honour invitation and request for documents in relation to the construction of Umuihe-Odo-Umuanya Road, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.

    Prosecution lawyer, Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha announced ICPC’s decision to withdraw the charge when the case came up on Thursday before Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Apo, Abuja.

    Read Also:ICPC charges NDDC boss, Ekere for allegedly frustrating investigation

    Akponimisingha said although the prosecution has complied with the court’s earlier order for substituted service of the charge on Ekere, there are new developments in the case, requiring that the charge be withdrawn.

    He said: “While the matter was pending, the defendant complied with our request,  which informed why we filed the charge in the first place.”

    Relying on Section 108 (2)(a) of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), the prosecution applied to withdraw the judge, an application Justice Adeniyi granted.

    The judge, in a ruling, said “the prosecution, having applied to withdraw the charge, under ACJA, 2015, the charge with suit No: CR/187/2018, filed on the 4th of May 2018 is accordingly struck out.”

  • Corruption: Cleric urges Nigerian leaders to emulate Justice Mustapha Akanbi

    An Islamic cleric has urged Nigerian leaders to emulate late former Appeal Court President, Justice Mustapha Akanbi for his uprightness and incorruptible nature, as panacea to the challenges militating against the growth and development of the country.

    The Abuja based cleric, Ustaz Abdulwahab Sharani, who made the urge Sunday evening in Kaduna, also tasked Muslims to use the remaining few days of holy month of Ramadan to pray intensively for peace and security to return across the country in the place of killings, herders/farmers clashes, kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed robbery and other criminal acts that ha held parts of the country hostage.

    Speaking at a 8th day fidau prayer for late pioneer chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi, organised by General Secretary of Textile Workers Union, Comrade Issa Aremu, Ustaz Sharani said Nigerian Muslims should constantly seek Allah’s blessings, because the blessings with Allah are in excess of humans needs.

    “Late Justice Mustapha Akanbi was an honest and just man who treats everybody equally. He would rather please an outsider than please a relation or family member.

    “Justice Akanbi was incorruptible and fair to everybody. Nigerian leaders should emulate and take after him by being just, fair and especially incorruptible, that is one way of regaining our lost glory as a people and as a country.

    Read Also: Cleric commends Ambode

    “Prayer is very important in life, Allah wants us to always beseech Him and He gets angry if we fail to seek His blessings. We should use the remaining days of Ramadan to pray for Allah’s abundant blessings, because His blessings is more than what all the people on earth needs.

    “As I was about to leave Abuja for Kaduna this afternoon, I was feeling somehow about the trip, so I asked my Islamiyya students to pray and we all prayed. The importance of the prayer was that upon entering Kaduna, I was involved in a small accident. The prayer warded off evil and minimised the impact of the accident. So, we need to constantly pray.

    “But my initial fear was the spate of kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna road, how to avoid the kidnappers. Let us pray intensely for God to remove evil from this country and grant us peace and security.

    “The Muslims should pray in the last days of Ramadan for Allah to bring an end to insecurity in the country and bring lasting peace to Nigeria.

    “Ramadan is like a cleansing period for Muslims to cleanse them of all their sins, grant them forgiveness and shower them with more blessings than they ask for.”

  • ICPC arrests 4 ex-Kogi commissioners over alleged fraud

    ICPC arrests 4 ex-Kogi commissioners over alleged fraud

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has arrested and detained four Commissioners in the administration of former Governor of Kogi, Cpt. Idris Wada, over alleged fraud.

    Spokesman of the commission, Mrs Rasheedat Okoduwa, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

    Okoduwa identified the ex-commissioners as Kayode Olowomoran (Culture and Tourism), Abdulrahman Wuya (Transport); Godwin Onama (Works) and Ali Ajuh (Budget and Planning).

    She said the suspects’ arrest followed ICPC’s investigations into an alleged misapplication of a N2 billion SME loan they secured from the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of the state.

    According to her, they acted in connivance with the former governor, his Accountant-General, Ibrahim Idakwo, and a former Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Commerce, Frank Onoja.

    “Preliminary investigations by the Commission also revealed that the suspects allegedly partook in the mismanagement of another N8 billion bond that was raised to fund 57 projects across the state.

    “The large sums of monies released for the projects were allegedly far beyond the levels of work done.

    “Furthermore, the suspects are alleged to have benefited from illegal deductions to the tune of N1.3 billion made from the funds of 21 local government councils of the state by the same administration,” she said.

    The ICPC spokesperson said the suspects would remain in custody until they fulfilled the administrative bail conditions granted them by the commission, while investigations continue.

    NAN

  • How Buhari is preventing corruption, by Presidential media team

    How Buhari is preventing corruption, by Presidential media team

    The Presidential Media Team, in a forthcoming book, offers deep insight into how the President Muhammadu Buhari ’s administration is blocking corruption loopholes in the nation’s public institutions.

    The book titled, “Making Steady, Sustainable Progress for Nigeria’s Peace and Prosperity: A Mid-Term Scorecard on the President Muhammadu Buhari administration”, is set for launch in Abuja on Nov. 16.
    In an excerpt of the 348-page publication, the team notes that beyond arrest and prosecution of suspects, the Buhari government is strengthening public institutions for accountability and transparency.
    The book explores measures being instituted by anti-graft agencies, especially the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission ( ICPC ), in this regard since the last two years.
    These include conduct of System Study and Review in ministries, departments and agencies, and Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) in various sectors of the nation’s economy.
    It says the education, health, water and aviation sectors as well as e-governance platforms, including the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS), have benefited from the ICPC’s CRA exercise.

    The exercise, it adds, has led to the identification of weaknesses in the systems that create opportunities for corruption.

    Consequently, the commission has designed Integrity Plans directed at plugging the loopholes and enhancing the integrity profile of the systems for efficiency and effectiveness, it states.

    The book promises to clear the cynicism of many Nigerians, who think the Buhari government is more reactive than proactive in its fight against corruption.

    Nevertheless, the publication contains milestones recorded by the ICPC in the area of convictions, and recovery of looted funds and assets since the inception of the Buhari government on May 29, 2015.

    The book was edited by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity; Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on  Media and Publicity, and Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, (Office of the Vice President).

    The Buhari Media Support Group (BMSG) contributed to the publication, whose foreword was written by the president.

    The book will be presented by APC National Leader Bola Tinubu and  reviewed by Prince Tony Momoh.

    NAN

  • DSS warns ICPC, others over ‘illegal’ operations

    DSS warns ICPC, others over ‘illegal’ operations

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has expressed deep dismay and condemnation over the way some ‘impostors’, including other government agencies carry out illegal operations that are made to look like DSS operations.

    Specifically, the DSS, in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, mentioned the security operation carried out at the Kaduna residence of the former Vice President, Alhaji Namadi Sambo by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices (and other related offences) Commission (ICPC).

    However, an official of the ICPC who felt alarmed by the DSS’ claims stated that there was never any need or decision to mimic DSS in any of its operations.

    Nonetheless, the statement issued by DSS spokesman, Tony Opuiyo asserts that impersonation of its operatives is going on under the watchful eyes of some agencies, adding that members of the public should be on alert against such antics.

    “The Department of State Services (DSS) has noted, with dismay and total condemnation, the activities of impostors including some security agencies who have continually engaged in illegal security operations, allegedly in the name of the Service, in parts of the country.

    “These impersonators, in some instances, try to mimic the Service’s operational tactics by using its symbols and paraphernalia especially operational dress codes.

    “The aim, according to information available to the Service, is to accord semblance of legitimacy to their operations and as well leave impressions that the DSS was, in fact, involved.

    “An instance was the recent search which the DSS was falsely accused to have carried out at the Kaduna residence of the former Vice President, His Excellency, Namadi SAMBO. Another was the one executed at No.165, Ademola Adetokunbo, Wuse II, Abuja, belonging to Sahara Energy Company,” the DSS stated.

    It accordingly urges citizens to complement DSS efforts to curb such illegal operations.

    “Consequently, the public is hereby alerted to be wary of these ugly trends and also informed that not all operatives in black uniforms are personnel of the DSS.

    “The Service is indeed not sparing any efforts to ensure that this is brought to a complete stop.

    “In line with its standard operational procedures, the Service will, in the spirit of public accountability, always inform stakeholders of its activities on the basis of need-to-know principle.

    “Persons and groups, with useful information about suspected illegal operations in any part of the country, are encouraged to avail same to the Service for prompt action,” the DSS stated.

     

  • ICPC arraigns Whistle Blower over raid on VP Sambo’s residence

    ICPC arraigns Whistle Blower over raid on VP Sambo’s residence

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), on Thursday arraigned one Abubakar Sani for providing false information to the commission.

    Sani’s information had led to the raid on the residence of former Vice President, Namadi Sambo on June 28, in Kaduna by ICPC and DSS operatives.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that since the raid on the property, the ICPC had not said if anything incriminating was found.

    The whistle blower, who was arraigned before Justice Aliyu Tukur of the Kaduna State High Court, is facing two-count charge of providing false information and misleading a public officer while on lawful duty.

    Counsel to the commission, Elijah Akaakohol, said the accused had provided the false information to an official of the commission on June 21, 2017.

    Akaakohol told the court that Sani had claimed to have transported boxes of money in local and foreign currencies from Abuja airport to the house at Ungwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna in 2013, which he suspected to be ill-gotten wealth and still at the house.

    The counsel added that it was based on the claim that the accused “made officers of the commission to carry out a sting operation that turned out to be false.

    “You thereby committed an offence, contrary to, and punishable under section 64 (3) of the Corrupt Practices and other related offences Act 2000.’’

    Sani is also being charged for making false statement to one Mr Olusegun Adigun, an official of the ICPC while in the course of duty as a public officer, contrary to section 25(1) and punishable under section 25(1b) of the ICPC Act 2000.

    Sani, who appeared before the court without legal representation, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The Judge directed that the accused be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case till Thursday, Nov. 2, for hearing.

    Before the adjournment, Justice Tukur advised the accused to get a counsel to stand for him at the next adjourned date.

  • Whistle blower in trouble over raid on ex-VP Sambo’s residence 

    Whistle blower in trouble over raid on ex-VP Sambo’s residence 

    …as ICPC arraigns him for false information, remanded in prison

     

    Whistle blower who allegedly gave force information that led to the raid on the Kaduna residence of the former Vice President, Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), landed in trouble on Thursday, as court ordered his remand in prison.

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday arraigned the whistle blower identified as Abubakar Sani for providing false information to the commission.

    The ICPC said the false information, the Whistle blower provided led to the raid on the residence of former Vice President, Namadi Sambo on June 28 in Kaduna.

    It will be recalled that the ICPC and the officers of the DSS on June 28, 2017 conducted a search on the Kaduna resident of the former Vice President.

    The ICPC, however, did not say if anything incriminating was found or recovered from the former VP’s house during the search.

    The ICPC in a two-count charge arraigned the whistle blower in a Kaduna State High Court, accusing him of allegedly providing false information to the commission that led to the raid.

    A principal Legal officer and counsel to the Commission, Elijah Akaakohol who read out the charge before Justice Aliyu Tukur, presiding Judge of the Kaduna High Court 7, said the accused person sometimes on June 21, 2017 gave a false information to the officer of the commission of ICPC.

    According to him, “that sometime in 2013 you conveyed a huge sums of money both in the Nigerian and other foreign currencies from Abuja Airport to a house in Ungwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna on the directive of a retired Army officer which money you suspected to be ill-gotten wealth and still laying in boxes in that said house at the moment of your report.

    “And of which you made the officer of the commission of the ICPC to carry out a sting operation that turned out to be false.

    “You thereby committed an offence, contrary to, and punishable under section 64 (3) of the corrupt practices and other related offences act 2000.

    The counsel told the court that Abubakar Sani also made a false statement to one Mr. Olusegun Adigun, an official of the Commission in the course of the exercise of his duties as a public officer, contrary to section 25(1) and punishable under section 25(1b) of the ICPC act 2000.

    Sani, who appeared without a legal counsel, however pleaded not guilty of the allegations.

    The presiding judge, directed that the accused be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case till Thursday, Nov. 2 for hearing.

    Before the adjournment, Justice Tukur urged the accused person to get a counsel to stand for him at the next hearing of the case.

     

  • ICPC enlists pupils in anti-corruption war

    ICPC enlists pupils in anti-corruption war

    Secondary school pupils from across the nation have been drafted into the anti-corruption crusade as part of a multi-pronged approach by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to bringing the menace to the barest minimum.

    The ICPC chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta, during the inaugural National Anti-Corruption Debate Competition among Senior Secondary Schools, which commenced Thursday in Lokoja, Kogi State, said it will hold annually among selected secondary school pupils in the six geo-political zones.

    This year’s debate centres on the topic, Corruption: An impediment to sustainable development.

    He explained that in the commission embarked on the national schools’ debate because of the determination to carry out its duties of enlightening and educating members of the public “on and against corruption and offering public support” in combating corruption.

    The effort, he added was part of the bid to prosecute the anti-corruption war in a holistic manner.

    According to the ICPC boss, who was represented by the assistant director on education, Mr. Kingsley Obi: “The National Anti-Corruption Debate Competition for pupils at the senior secondary school levels was designed to engage the youth activity in the anti-corruption crusade and this stimulate academic discourse that provides answers to issues of corruption from the youths’ perspective.

    “The fulcrum of this initiative which is derived from the commission’s policy of encouraging active youth participation in the crusade against corruption is therefore aimed at moblilizing action, fostering the involvement of pupils at the secondary school levels in the war against corruption, and also expanding the participation of these youths in the anti-corruption crusade”.

    Some of the objectives of the debate, he said, include engaging the youths at secondary schools intellectually in proceeding solution to corruption in the society and to encourage non-violent revolution against corruption.

    “The problem of lack of integrity, transparency and accountability is a huge impediment to achieving set goals meant for the advancement of the youth and the security of the future.

    “However, the ICPC recognizes the fact that the young people wield tremendous influence and thus mobilized them to not only imbibe the culture of integrity, transparency and accountability, but also to ensure it’s institutionalization,” he added.

  • ICPC raids ex VP Sambo’s residence

    ICPC raids ex VP Sambo’s residence

    Heavily armed operatives of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday afternoon raided the Kaduna residence of the former Vice President, Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo.

    The Nation gathered that the operatives of the anti-graft agency stormed the residence of the former VP located at Alimi road Kaduna at about 3pm.

    Eyewitness accounts also said that the ICPC operatives who arrived the residence in a bus, two hilux vans and a bullion van raided the house for two hours.

    According to the residents, “They (ICPC operatives) came with heavily armed security personnel and raided the house for two hours between 3pm and 5pm”.

    Meanwhile, when our correspondent visited the Alimi road residence of the former Vice President, fierce looking security threatened to shoot at anyone who comes close to the house while  journalists were trying to introduce themselves.

    Eyewitness who spoke with our correspondent said the team had repeatedly raided the house on several occasions.

    “We are not sure whether this time they found something in the house. But we are suspecting something, because this time, they came with bullion van”.

    A source close to the former VP said anti-graft agencies had been raiding the house for the fifth time and nothing was found.

    He said, “I want to assure you that this time again nothing would be found because the former Vice President is not a corrupt person, because he served this country in several capacities and has never been found wanting”.

    When contacted, spokesman of the former Vice President, Mallam Umar Sani said the ICPC officials came with a court order to search the residence, saying it was not the first time the house was being searched.

    According to him, “This is not the first time they are searching the house. They have come to search the house on several occasions. Today they came with a court order and gave a copy of the court order to the CSO (Chief Security Officer) in the house.

    “After they finished the search, they wrote at the back page of the court order that they gave to the CSO that they didn’t find anything and they left. So, we are not surprised because it has now become a routine activity,” Sani said.