By Treasure Moses
The trial of Mrs. Joy Ndubuisi Chineme, an employee of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, and Mr. Godwin Tabo Sakat, a staff member of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, commenced today before Justice C.O. Oba at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja. The duo is facing serious allegations of job racketeering involving a staggering sum of N12 million.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had initially arraigned Chineme and Sakat in July 2024 on a nine-count charge relating to the fraudulent acquisition of funds under the guise of job placements.
During the opening proceedings, prosecution counsel Mr. Suleiman Abdulkareem presented Mrs. Adah Ojoma, an Assistant Director at ICPC, as the first prosecution witness. Mrs. Ojoma recounted how an investigation was initiated after a petition against Chineme was received on March 4, 2022.
Investigators uncovered a total of N12 million in various transactions linked to Chineme, including a notable transfer of N3.9 million to her Zenith Bank account in 2018, over N5 million in 2019, and approximately N2.5 million in 2021
She revealed to the court that investigators uncovered a total of N12 million in various transactions linked to Chineme, including a notable transfer of N3.9 million to her Zenith Bank account in 2018, over N5 million in 2019, and approximately N2.5 million in 2021. Additionally, about N4.3 million was transferred to Sakat.
Ojoma also testified about the discovery of a fake employment letter during the investigation, further implicating the defendants in the alleged scheme.
When questioned about Chineme’s statement to the ICPC, her counsel, E.E. Oga, contended that it was made under duress, prompting a request for a trial within a trial to examine the circumstances surrounding the statement’s creation.
ICPC counsel Abdulkareem acknowledged that while the statement was not a confession, he did not oppose the request for further examination
In response, ICPC counsel Abdulkareem acknowledged that while the statement was not a confession, he did not oppose the request for further examination. During this interim trial, Ojoma stated that Chineme had called her husband and sister to assist in drafting her statement, citing her inability to write properly.
The court proceedings revealed a complex web of alleged corruption within government ministries, raising questions about accountability and integrity among public servants.
As the defense sought an adjournment to present additional witnesses, Justice C.O. Oba scheduled the next hearing for March 25, 2025, allowing time for both sides to prepare their cases further.
The next hearing for March 25, 2025, allowing time for both sides to prepare their cases further
The unfolding trial underscores the ongoing efforts by the ICPC to combat corruption and enforce transparency within Nigeria’s public sector. As the case develops, it will be closely monitored by the public and stakeholders invested in the fight against corruption in the country.