The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has successfully secured the conviction of Lukumanu Sani Waziri, an accountant at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, for embezzling over ₦60 million through unauthorized access to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
Corruption and Abuse of Office
Waziri was found guilty of corruption and abuse of office after illegally diverting public funds into private accounts, including his own and that of his accomplice, Monday Adejo.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by ICPC spokesman Demola Bakare, Waziri, alongside two others, was charged in 2021 with a nine-count fraud case before Justice M. Abdulgafar at the Federal High Court in Sokoto.
Evidence of Fraudulent Activities
The ICPC prosecutor, Dr. Osuobeni Akponimisingha, presented evidence during the trial, detailing how Waziri manipulated financial records to facilitate the illegal transfer of government funds.
Key findings included:
- Conspiracy to Steal Over ₦20m:
Waziri and Adejo conspired to divert more than ₦20 million from GIFMIS into Adejo’s First Bank account. - Misappropriation of State Funds:
Waziri altered bank account details meant for state taxes, redirecting funds intended for Kogi, Edo, Bauchi, and Zamfara States into Adejo’s private account.
Court Ruling
On Friday, Justice Abdulgafar delivered the verdict, convicting Waziri on seven out of nine charges. The court imposed the following sentences:
- Counts 1 and 2: One year in prison or a fine of ₦200,000 for each count.
- Counts 3, 4, and 5: One year in prison for each count, with no option of a fine.
- Counts 8 and 9: Three years in prison or a fine of ₦500,000 for each count.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
ICPC’s Commitment to Fighting Corruption
This conviction highlights the ICPC’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption in Nigeria, especially in public institutions. The commission remains committed to ensuring accountability and restoring public trust in governance.
The case serves as a warning to public servants about the consequences of abusing their positions for personal gain.
