The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned an official of the Ebonyi State Accountant-General’s Office over an alleged ₦61 million money laundering scheme.
The defendant, Obasi Nicholas Sunday, was brought before the Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on charges bordering on financial crimes and violation of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
According to the Commission, the suspect allegedly withdrew a total sum of ₦61,000,000 in cash from a government account in August 2020. The withdrawals were reportedly made in six tranches of ₦10,000,000 each, with an additional ₦1,000,000, allegedly structured to evade mandatory transaction reporting requirements.
The ICPC further alleged that within the same period, the defendant deposited ₦60,941,725 into the account of Ikechukwu Obiukwu, identified as a contractor linked to the Ebonyi State Government. The deposits were allegedly made in installments, including ₦10,000,000 and ₦941,725, in what prosecutors described as deliberate attempts to circumvent financial disclosure regulations.
The Commission stated that the actions contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
During his arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge. Following the plea, prosecution counsel requested a trial date, while defence counsel filed a bail application, which was not opposed by the prosecution.
The court granted bail in the sum of ₦10 million with the following conditions:
- A surety who must be the Accountant-General of Ebonyi State
- A signed undertaking by the surety to produce the defendant in court, supported by two recent passport photographs
- A written undertaking by the defendant to attend all court proceedings, also attached with two recent passport photographs
The matter was adjourned to March 24 and 25, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
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