ICPC arraigns Ebonyi official over alleged N61m fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a staff member of the Office of the Accountant-General of Ebonyi State, Obasi Nicholas Sunday, over an alleged N61 million money laundering offence.

Obasi was docked before Federal High Court 1 sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, presided over by Justice H. I. O. Oshomah, on a two-count charge marked FHC/AI/6C/25.

According to the Commission, the defendant, a signatory to the Ebonyi State Government Shopping Mall Account domiciled with United Bank for Africa (UBA), allegedly engaged in structured cash transactions aimed at evading mandatory reporting requirements under the law.

The ICPC alleged that in August 2020, Obasi withdrew a total of N61 million from the government account in six tranches of N10 million each and an additional N1 million, with the intention of circumventing statutory reporting thresholds.

The Commission further claimed that within the same period, the defendant deposited N60,941,725 in cash into the UBA account of one Ikechukwu Obiukwu, said to be a contractor to the Ebonyi State Government. The deposits were allegedly made in structured instalments of N10 million and N941,725 to avoid triggering reporting obligations.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, the ICPC reiterated its resolve to enforce compliance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and ensure accountability in the management of public funds. The offences are said to contravene Section 19(1)(c) and are punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Act.

Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. Counsel to the ICPC, Mr Agbili Ezenwa Kingsley, sought a trial date, while defence counsel, Mr Michael Ngwu, applied for bail on behalf of his client. The prosecution did not oppose the application.

Justice Oshomah granted bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety, who must be the Accountant-General of the state. The surety is required to sign an undertaking to produce the defendant in court and attach two recent passport photographs. The defendant is also to sign a similar undertaking.

The matter was adjourned to March 24 and 25, 2026, for the commencement of hearing.