News
Ebonyi Accountant arraigned over alleged money laundering
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Obasi Sunday before the Federal High Court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, over alleged money laundering.
Obasi, an employee of the Office of the Accountant-General of Ebonyi State and a signatory to the Ebonyi State Government Shopping Mall Account at United Bank for Africa, is accused of conducting structured cash transactions to avoid mandatory reporting rules.
According to a statement by the ICPC spokesman, John Odey, the defendant was arraigned on two charges before Justice H. Oshomah of the Federal High Court, Abakaliki Judicial Division.
According to the charge, the defendant allegedly withdrew a total sum of N61,000,000 from the government account in August 2020 in six tranches of N10,000,000 and an additional N1,000,000, with the intent to avoid reporting obligations.
The Commission further alleged that within the same period, the defendant deposited N60,941,725 into the UBA account of one Ikechukwu Obiukwu, a contractor to the Ebonyi State Government, in structured instalments of N10,000,000 and N941,725, with the intent to evade statutory reporting requirements.
“The offences are said to be contrary to Section 19(1)(c) and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” the statement added.
Upon arraignment, Odey said the defendant pleaded not guilty to both counts.
He said Counsel to the ICPC, Agbili Kingsley, applied for a date for the commencement of trial, while defence counsel, Michael Ngwu, moved a bail application, which was not opposed by the prosecution.
“The defendant was granted bail by the court on the following terms: The defendant admitted to bail to the sum of N10 million naira bond. A Surety, who must be the Accountant-General of the state.
“The Surety must sign an undertaking to ensure he produces the defendant in court with two recent passport photographs attached to it. The defendant must sign an undertaking to always be in court with two recent passport photographs attached to it, ” the statement added.
The case was adjourned to March 24 and 25, 2026, for commencement of the hearing.
The arraignment follows a trend of senior officials in government ministries and agencies being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged financial and administrative offences.
In a recent case, the Commission on January 29 arraigned Yusuf Mustapha, a Deputy Director at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, over alleged forgery.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Support groups don’t compete with political parties, it is unheard of – NDC Leader Dickson warns OK Movement
Imo State: List of LGAs, population, land mass, government, other key facts
Ebonyi State: List of LGAs, population, land mass, government, other key facts
Enugu State: List of LGAs, population, land mass, government, other key facts
“Thank God I’m not on list of Govs fighting Wike, I feel relieved” — Governor Sule reacts to APC Govs rift with FCT Minister
“Its AI” — Kwankwaso reacts to ‘Sai Atiku’ videos emerging from North
67.4% Of Nigerians Support petrol subsidy return, Atiku says, unveils alternative
HBM Nigeria (Lafarge) announces job openings for HR, Digital Communications and Internal Audit – Apply Now
Sundry Foods announces 8 Job vacancies across Nigeria – (How to Apply)
Moniepoint announces 70 job openings across Nigeria, lists requirements – Apply Now
2027: Obi’s NDC gov’t will reintroduce fuel subsidy, but in different form – Kwankwaso
Osun Assembly backs creation of State Police
Don’t call me Acting President, Tinubu is still in power and running Nigeria — Akpabio
‘Oyo received no N50bn from Tinubu for airport upgrade’ – Makinde replies Wike
Gov Mbah names Rachael Okonkwo, Eucharia Anunobi among 118 new appointees (Full list)
Moniepoint announces 70 job openings across Nigeria, lists requirements – Apply Now
Hardship: Civil Servants ask Tinubu to stabilise petrol at N500, pay N500,000 minimum wage
NSCDC releases names of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in custody (Full list)
Tinubu to appoint Wike as Rivers, FCT campaign council coordinator amid rift with APC Govs
Sundry Foods announces 8 Job vacancies across Nigeria – (How to Apply)
“The Pits You Dig for Me, You Shall Fall Into It – Sen. Natasha blast Akpabio over leaked audio
Crisis looms in NDC as OK Movement clash with pary chairman, Head of Operations resign over campaign council list
21 Days have come and gone, you are still on vacation, who is in charge of Nigeria – Atiku tackles Tinubu
Mambilla Project: EFCC opens probe into Adesanya, Atiku, Malami, others named in Tribunal Award
‘My administration left substantial funds in the Anambra Government’s accounts, – Peter Obi releases fresh evidence (Photos)
NDC set to inaugurate PCC, gives Obi, Kwankwaso nomination powers
By what magic are you going to force people to farm? – Sowunmi knocks Peter Obi
Protest rock Taraba Nursing College as hoodlums attack female hostel, rape student
JAMB allows candidates to change lost phone numbers, emails under new verification rules
