ICPC drags Works Ministry Director to Court accused of money laundering 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a director in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mrs. Adiobome Blessing Lere-Adams, on a six-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and corruption.

Mrs. Lere-Adams was docked on Monday before Justice M.S. Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/551/2025.

The anti-graft agency alleged that between August 2022 and January 2024 in the Federal Capital Territory, the defendant unlawfully received and retained funds from a subordinate, Mr. Henry David, which she knew or reasonably ought to have known were proceeds of corruption.

According to the prosecution, led by Mrs. Onwuka Ngozi, Lere-Adams allegedly took possession of various sums transferred by the subordinate and subsequently moved substantial portions of the funds to her spouse, Mr. Olujimi Lere-Adams, as well as into a Fidelity Bank account belonging to her son, Jafe Joel Lere-Adams.

One of the charges stated that on or about August 18, 2022, the defendant, while serving as a director in the ministry, directly took possession of and retained ₦2 million transferred into her First Bank account by Henry David, despite reasonably knowing the funds were proceeds of an unlawful act.

The prosecution said the alleged offence contravenes Section 18(2)(d) and is punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Other counts cite provisions of the Penal Code (Northern Nigeria) Federal Provisions Act and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The defendant, represented by Barrister Nduka, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following a bail application by the defence, Justice Liman granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like amount. The court directed that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, present a verifiable address, submit two passport photographs for verification by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and provide a sworn affidavit alongside three years’ tax clearance certificates.

At the defence’s request and without objection from the prosecution, the court granted a 72-hour window for the defendant to meet the bail conditions, warning that failure to comply would lead to revocation of the bail.

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

The ICPC reiterated its resolve to ensure accountability in public service and prosecute individuals who allegedly exploit positions of trust for personal gain.