ICPC records progress in multiple corruption cases, secures court victory

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reported significant progress in several civil and criminal cases across the country, including fresh arraignments, ongoing prosecutions, property recovery proceedings, and a court victory in a fundamental rights enforcement suit.

The developments were contained in the Commission’s weekly case proceedings update covering activities between May 1 and May 5, 2026.

According to the anti-corruption agency, the prosecution in the case of FRN v. Ishaleku Osegba Ibrahim advanced further with the conclusion of the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness. The matter was subsequently adjourned to October 7, 2026, for continuation of the prosecution’s case.

In FRN v. Abdurahseed Yusuf and Friday Atodo, proceedings could not continue as scheduled because the court did not sit. The case was adjourned to July 22, 2026.

The Commission also disclosed that defendants in FRN v. Yakubu Ayuba and Two Others were arraigned on three counts bordering on the giving and receiving of gratification. All the defendants pleaded not guilty, while the court fixed July 6, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.

In a separate civil matter, Ijeoma Ofoma v. Emeka Anselm Allor, the court granted the applicant’s motion for extension of time and adjourned the case to January 14, 2027, for adoption.

Similarly, the matter involving Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN v. Nigeria Police Force and Two Others came up for mention. While counsel to the claimant was present in court, the second and third defendants were absent. The court subsequently adjourned the matter to June 16, 2026, for the hearing of a preliminary objection.

The ICPC further reported progress in its asset recovery efforts through the case of FRN v. Immovable Property (Five Units of Four-Bedroom Terrace Houses). According to the Commission, the matter came up for a settlement report, during which its counsel informed the court that meetings had been held with interested parties and all necessary processes filed.

In Olanlokun Omolodun Esq v. ICPC and One Other, the claimant’s counsel moved an application seeking the lifting of a Post No Debit (PND) restriction placed on certain bank accounts. The court adjourned the matter to July 6, 2026, for ruling.

Another criminal matter, FRN v. Mrs Elizabeth Onome Sheidun, involves allegations of theft of a WAEC certificate and making false statements. The court is currently reviewing a Certified True Copy of an earlier judgment to determine the validity of the filing.

Meanwhile, the Commission recorded a legal victory in Mohammed Garba Gololo v. ICPC and Two Others, where the court dismissed the applicant’s Fundamental Rights Enforcement suit for lacking merit and entered judgment in favour of the Commission.

The Commission noted that it remains focused on ensuring that ongoing cases are diligently pursued through the judicial process in accordance with the law.