The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Mr. Garuba Mohammed Duku, a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), for corruption and money laundering involving ₦318 million.
The ICPC spokesperson and Director, Public Enlightenment and Education, Demola Bakare, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice James Omotosho found Mr. Duku guilty on a six-count charge filed by the Commission in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022.
Investigations revealed that between 2012 and 2013, the convict fraudulently diverted ₦318,250,000 belonging to AMMC into his personal account at Fidelity Bank Plc.
The funds, received in multiple tranches ranging from ₦36 million to ₦71 million, were transferred to Bureau de Change operators and used for unauthorized purposes.
The ICPC further proved that Mr. Duku’s method of fund release and withdrawal was fraudulent and violated government financial regulations. His claim that the funds were handed to superiors was dismissed by the court for lack of evidence.
Justice Omotosho held that the Commission had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced Mr. Duku to four years imprisonment on each of the six counts, to run concurrently, or an option of fine totaling about ₦1.6 billion.
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that public officials who abuse their positions of trust are held accountable and face justice in accordance with the law.
