ICPC Arraigns Federal Works Director Over ₦2 Million Money Laundering Charges
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has taken legal action against a senior official from the Federal Ministry of Works, Blessing Lere-Adams, arraigning her before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of money laundering and corruption. The case, which has drawn significant public attention, involves allegations that the director received and transferred funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, specifically corruption.
Details of the Alleged Offences
According to ICPC spokesman John Odey, the alleged offences occurred between August 2022 and January 2024 in Abuja. Prosecuting counsel Onwuka Ngozi informed the court that Lere-Adams received various sums of money from her subordinate, Henry David, which she knew or should have reasonably known were proceeds of corruption. The commission further alleged that she transferred parts of these funds to her husband, Mr Olujimi Lere-Adams, and to a Fidelity Bank account belonging to her son, Jafe Lere-Adams.
One of the specific charges highlighted in the case reads: "That you, Blessing Adiobome Lere-Adams, on or about August 18, 2022 at Abuja, FCT within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court while being a Director at Federal Ministry of Works and Housing directly took possession of and retained N2,000,000.00 transferred to your First Bank account number 3002361584 by one Henry David, your subordinate, when you reasonably ought to have known that such fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: corruption."
The charge states that this offence is contrary to section 18(2)(d) and punishable under section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The case was filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/551/2025.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Lere-Adams, represented by her counsel Nduka, pleaded not guilty to all six charges and applied for bail. Justice M. Liman granted her bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like sum. The court imposed strict conditions for the surety, including:
- Residing within the court's jurisdiction
- Providing a verifiable address
- Submitting two passport photographs for verification by the National Identity Management Commission
- Presenting three years' worth of tax clearance
The matter has been adjourned to April 20, 2026, for hearing. The ICPC emphasized that this arraignment reflects its determination to uphold accountability and integrity in Nigeria's public service.
ICPC's Broader Anti-Corruption Efforts
This case is part of the ICPC's ongoing efforts to combat corruption in public institutions. On January 29, the commission arraigned Yusuf Mustapha, a Deputy Director at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over alleged forgery. These actions demonstrate the commission's commitment to investigating and prosecuting corruption at various levels of government.
The ICPC has also recently appointed Mrs Temilade Aderemi Okesanjo as Resident Consultant (Strategy and Communications), a move aimed at deepening institutional coherence, organizational effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement. This appointment marks the first time strategy has been formally integrated into a resident consultancy role at the ICPC, underscoring the commission's focus on prevention, integrity, and impact-driven governance.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with corruption challenges, cases like that of Blessing Lere-Adams highlight the importance of robust anti-corruption mechanisms and the need for continued vigilance in public service accountability.
