The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Nigeria has arraigned a staff member of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Oseni Adeolu Olayinka, for allegedly adding his wife and son to the ministry’s payroll under the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
Olayinka was brought before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, facing a three-count charge of money laundering. The ICPC accused him of fraudulently acquiring millions of naira by including his family members on the payroll between 2023 and 2024, channeling salaries into their bank accounts.
One of the charges states that Olayinka, as an Executive Officer in the ministry, received N2,843,524.41 through his wife’s Stanbic IBTC Bank account. The commission argued that he ought to have known the funds were proceeds of corruption, making his actions a violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges. His counsel, Paul Asimiakeokha, applied for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution. Justice Egwuatu granted him bail in the sum of N5 million, requiring a surety who must be a civil servant of at least grade level 12 in the federal service. The surety must also provide employment and promotion letters and possess verifiable landed property in Abuja.
The case has been adjourned to April 29 for the commencement of trial.
