ICPC Secures 24-Year Jail Term for Retired FCTA Director Over ₦318 Million Fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Mr. Garuba Mohammed Duku, a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), on charges of corruption and money laundering. 

Mr. Duku was sentenced to a total of 24 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court, Abuja, for fraudulently diverting ₦318,250,000 belonging to AMMC into his personal account between 2012 and 2013.

Presiding over the case, Justice James Omotosho found Mr. Duku guilty on all six counts of corruption and money laundering filed by the Commission.

The Fraud:ICPC investigations revealed the retired Director received multiple fraudulent payments, including six separate transfers that collectively totaled ₦318.25 million, which were then transferred to Bureau de Change operators and used for unauthorized purposes.

Verdict: Justice Omotosho held that the evidence and witness testimonies presented by the ICPC proved the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The court also refuted Mr. Duku's claim that the funds were disbursed to his superiors, as no evidence was provided to substantiate the assertion.

Sentence: The court sentenced Mr. Duku to four years’ imprisonment on each of the six counts, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. The court also offered an alternative fine equivalent to five times the amount stated in each count, totaling approximately ₦1.6 billion.

The ICPC reaffirmed that the conviction underscores its unwavering commitment to holding public officers accountable and ensuring that those who betray the public trust through corrupt practices are brought to justice.