ICPC arraigns works ministry director over N2m money laundering

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arraigned a director in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing over alleged money laundering and corruption.

The defendant, Mrs. Blessing Adiobome Lere-Adams, was brought before Justice M. S. Liman of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday, February 16, 2026.

According to the anti-graft agency, Lere-Adams is facing a six-count charge bordering on money laundering and corrupt enrichment.

The offences allegedly occurred between August 2022 and January 2024 within the Federal Capital Territory.

The prosecution, led by Mrs. Onwuka Ngozi, told the court that the director unlawfully received several sums of money from a subordinate, Mr. Henry David, which she allegedly knew or ought to have known were proceeds of corruption.

The ICPC further alleged that she transferred parts of the funds to her husband and into a bank account belonging to her son.

In one of the counts, the commission accused her of taking possession of ₦2 million paid into her personal account on August 18, 2022, describing the money as proceeds of unlawful activity.

The charge was filed under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, alongside provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and the Penal Code (Northern Nigeria) Federal Provisions Act.

Lere-Adams pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following a bail application by her counsel, the court granted her bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like amount.

The surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, provide verifiable identification through the National Identity Management Commission, submit passport photographs, a sworn affidavit and three years’ tax clearance documents.

The judge allowed a 72-hour grace period for the bail conditions to be met, warning that failure to comply would lead to revocation of the bail.

The matter was adjourned until April 20, 2026, for hearing.

The ICPC said it remains committed to ensuring accountability in public service and prosecuting officials who abuse their positions for personal gain.