ICPC docks ex-finance director over alleged multi-million naira contract fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a former Director of Finance and Supply at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, Kwara State, Ibitoye Olajide Moses, before the Kwara State High Court over alleged multi-million naira contract fraud and abuse of office.

The defendant was brought before Honourable Justice H.A. Saleeman on a 24-count charge bordering on conferring unfair advantage, acquisition of private interests in public contracts, misappropriation of funds, and making false statements to investigators.

At the arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges preferred against him.

Following the plea, defence counsel, Mr. Oluwasheye Adeboye, applied for his bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution counsel, Mr. David Nwaze.

The court subsequently granted bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦5,000,000 with two sureties resident within the court’s jurisdiction, one of whom must possess landed property.

The matter was thereafter adjourned to May 26, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

ICPC’s investigations revealed that the defendant allegedly used his position to influence the award of several contracts worth tens of millions of Naira to companies in which he had direct and indirect interests.

Notably, the defendant is accused of benefiting from a ₦48.52 million contract for entrepreneurship training on oil palm production for women in Akwa Ibom State, awarded to Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd—a company in which he is allegedly a director and shareholder.

Further allegations indicate that he derived financial benefits from a ₦29.95 million contract for dry season farming training, as well as a ₦40 million contract for youth and women empowerment in agricultural value chains, both similarly awarded to the same company.

In another instance, the defendant allegedly obtained an indirect benefit of ₦550,000 from a ₦28.85 million contract awarded to Synergy Impact Consulting Ltd.

The charges also detailed contracts valued at ₦15.8 million, ₦14.96 million, ₦10 million, and ₦19.83 million, among others, in which the defendant allegedly had interests and therefore exerted influence in the procurement process to favour affiliated companies.

In addition, the prosecution alleged that the defendant dishonestly misappropriated ₦3 million, purportedly collected as administrative charges on contracts awarded by ARMTI.

Mr. Moses was also said to have maintained active involvement in Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd while in public service, alongside his wife, who is also a director and signatory to the company’s accounts.

One of the counts also accuses the defendant of making false statements to investigators by denying his directorship and financial dealings with the companies under investigation, claims said to have been contradicted by documentary evidence.

The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and tender documentary exhibits to substantiate the allegations during the trial.

The case has been adjourned to May 26, 2026, for commencement of trial.