ICPC Rearraigns DG Of Fake Agency, 4 Others On Fresh 36-Count Charge

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has rearraigned the Director-General of a fictitious agency, Adeniyi Adeyemi, alongside four other defendants on a fresh 36-count criminal charge over their alleged involvement in the establishment and operation of three fictitious government agencies for fraudulent purposes.

The defendants were brought before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, where the commission formally presented the fresh charges against them.

The ICPC accused the defendants of conspiring to establish three non-existent agencies allegedly designed to facilitate fraudulent activities and deceive members of the public.

The case was initially instituted before the Federal High Court, where the defendants were first arraigned. However, the commission subsequently withdrew the case and filed a fresh charge before the FCT High Court following concerns over jurisdiction.

At the resumed proceedings, the defendants’ pleas could not be taken due to the absence of the fourth defendant, Florence Omameh, who was reportedly unavailable on health grounds.

Following the development, the presiding judge, Justice Halilu Yusuf, adjourned the matter to November 18 for the defendants to take their pleas.

The adjournment means that the court is yet to formally record the defendants’ responses to the allegations contained in the 36-count charge.

Meanwhile, the court ordered that Adeniyi Adeyemi remain in Kuje Correctional Centre, while the other defendants are to remain in the custody of the ICPC pending the next adjourned date.

The defendants are expected to return to court on November 18 for the commencement of further proceedings.