Court jails ex-FCTA director for 24 years over N318m fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a retired Director of Finance and Administration at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. Garuba Mohammed Duku, for corruption and money laundering involving ₦318 million.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice James Omotosho found Duku guilty on a six-count charge filed by the ICPC in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022. Mm

He was sentenced to 24 years in prison—four years on each count—or an option of fine totaling ₦1.6 billion, with the jail terms to run concurrently.

According to the anti-graft agency, investigations revealed that between 2012 and 2013, Duku fraudulently diverted ₦318.25 million belonging to the AMMC into his personal Fidelity Bank account.

The illicit transfers included sums of ₦56.25 million, ₦71 million, ₦53 million, ₦54 million, ₦46 million, and ₦36.3 million, which were allegedly laundered through Bureau de Change operators for unauthorized purposes.

During the trial, the ICPC proved that the disbursement and withdrawal of the funds violated government financial regulations.

The court dismissed Duku’s defence that the funds were distributed to his superiors, ruling that no credible evidence supported the claim.

Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the conviction and sentencing of the former FCTA director.

The ICPC, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Demola Bakare, described the judgment as another milestone in its fight against public sector corruption.

“The conviction underscores ICPC’s unwavering commitment to holding public officers accountable and ensuring that those who betray public trust through corrupt practices are brought to justice,” the statement read.