The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Garuba Mohammed Duku, a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), for corruption and money laundering involving ₦318 million.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, found Duku guilty on all six counts filed by the ICPC in case number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022.
He was sentenced to 24 years imprisonment — four years for each of the six counts — to run concurrently.
A statement by Demola Bakare, ICPC’s Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, said the convict was also given an option of fine five times the amount stated in each count, totalling about ₦1.6 billion.
Investigations revealed that between 2012 and 2013, while serving as Director of Finance and Administration, Duku diverted ₦318,250,000 belonging to the AMMC into his personal Fidelity Bank account.
The ICPC said he received multiple fraudulent payments — ₦56.25 million, ₦71 million, ₦53 million, ₦54 million, ₦46 million, and ₦36.3 million — which were later moved to Bureau de Change operators and “spent for purposes not approved by the government.”
Abuse of trust
During trial, prosecutors showed that Duku used deceptive fund releases and withdrawals that violated government financial regulations.
“The convict had claimed that the funds were disbursed to his superiors,” the ICPC said, “but the court dismissed this defence after he failed to provide any proof.”
Justice Omotosho ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt, describing his actions as “a gross abuse of public trust.”
Reacting to the judgment, the ICPC said the conviction reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and integrity in the public service.
The Commission vowed to continue bringing to justice public officials who betray public trust or misuse government funds.
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