The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has begun prosecuting two government officials for alleged job racketeering involving over ₦12 million. The trial is taking place before Justice C.O. Oba at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja.
The defendants, Mrs. Joy Ndubuisi Chineme of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment and Mr. Godwin Tabo Sakat of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, face a nine-count charge brought against them by the ICPC.
The investigation into Mrs. Chineme began after the ICPC received a petition on March 4, 2022. According to Assistant Director at ICPC, Mrs. Adah Ojoma, who testified as the first prosecution witness, Mrs. Chineme’s bank accounts revealed suspicious transactions, including transfers amounting to over ₦12 million.
Mrs. Chineme reportedly transferred ₦3.9 million to her Zenith Bank account in 2018, more than ₦5 million in 2019, and ₦2.5 million in 2021. Additionally, ₦4.3 million was transferred to the second defendant, Mr. Sakat. The investigation also uncovered a fake employment letter linked to the case.
Mrs. Chineme voluntarily made a statement to the ICPC during the investigation. However, her defense counsel, E.E. Oga, argued that the statement was obtained under duress. This prompted the court to allow a trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of the statement.
During this session, Mrs. Ojoma testified that Mrs. Chineme was informed of her rights and allowed to call her husband and sister for support while making her statement due to her inability to write properly.
The defense counsel requested an adjournment to present a witness, and the court has set March 25, 2025, as the date for the continuation of the trial.
The ICPC continues to emphasize its commitment to eradicating corruption in public offices, while this case serves as a critical test of accountability within Nigeria’s civil service.
