ICPC Arraigns Federal Ministry Director Over Alleged Money Laundering Scheme
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has officially arraigned a director at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on multiple charges including money laundering and corruption, underscoring renewed efforts by Nigeria’s premier anti graft agency to enforce accountability among public servants.
The defendant, Mrs. Adiobome Blessing Lere Adams, appeared before Justice M.S. Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, 16 February 2026, facing a six-count charge sheet filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/551/2025.
Allegations and Charges
According to the prosecution, Mrs. Lere-Adams allegedly received and retained N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) transferred into her First Bank account by a subordinate, Mr. Henry David, funds the ICPC says she “knew or ought reasonably to have known” were proceeds of corruption.
The charges, brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the Penal Code (Northern Nigeria) Federal Provisions Act, and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, allege that Mrs. Lere-Adams acted with knowledge of the unlawful origins of the funds.
Additionally, the prosecution contends that portions of the alleged illicit funds were transferred to accounts belonging to her husband, Olujimi Lere-Adams, and her son, Jafe Joel Lere-Adams, held with another commercial bank.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Mrs. Lere Adams, now formally charged, pleaded not guilty to all six counts brought against her.
In his ruling, Justice Liman granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million, with one surety in an equivalent amount. The surety must:
- Reside within the court’s jurisdiction with a verifiable address
- Provide two passport photographs for verification by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)
- Submit a sworn affidavit and three years of tax clearance certificates for inspection by the court
The judge also allowed a 72-hour grace period for the defendant to meet the bail conditions, warning that failure to do so would result in revocation of bail. The matter has been adjourned until 20 April 2026 for hearing.
ICPC’s Ongoing Anti-Corruption Drive
The ICPC has reiterated that the arraignment demonstrates its commitment to confronting corruption within Nigeria’s public sector. In a separate release, the agency highlighted simultaneous operations, including tracking 105 constituency projects worth billions of naira across Kano and Jigawa States.
The commission’s spokesperson noted that the action against Mrs. Lere-Adams aligns with ICPC’s mandate to prosecute individuals who exploit public office for personal enrichment, particularly through illicit financial flows such as money laundering.
What the Charges Mean
Money laundering, as defined under Nigerian law, involves handling, concealing, or transferring proceeds of unlawful activity to make such funds appear legitimate. Conviction under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act carries substantial penalties including fines and imprisonment.
The inclusion of additional charges under the Corrupt Practices Act and the Penal Code reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the potential legal consequences should the defendant be convicted.
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