ICPC arraigns Works Ministry Director over alleged corruption proceeds
By Azeez Sulaiman
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a Director in the Federal Ministry of Works, Blessing Lere-Adams, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged money laundering and corruption-related offences.
Lere-Adams was brought before the court on Monday on a six-count charge filed under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the Penal Code (Northern Nigeria) Federal Provisions Act, and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/551/2025, stems from alleged transactions said to have occurred between August 2022 and January 2024 within the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, ICPC spokesperson John Odey said the defendant allegedly received multiple sums of money from her subordinate, Henry David, which she “knew or reasonably ought to have known were proceeds of corruption.”
According to the commission, parts of the funds were allegedly transferred to her husband, Olujimi Lere-Adams, and to a Fidelity Bank account belonging to her son, Jafe Lere-Adams.
One of the counts alleges that on August 18, 2022, while serving as a Director at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the defendant “directly took possession of and retained N2,000,000.00 transferred to your First Bank account… 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 the alleged act contravenes Section 18(2)(d) and is punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendant, represented by her counsel, Nduka, pleaded not guilty to all the charges and applied for bail.
Justice M. Liman admitted her to bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like amount. The court directed that the surety must reside within its jurisdiction, provide a verifiable address, submit two passport photographs for confirmation by the National Identity Management Commission, and file a sworn affidavit along with three years’ tax clearance certificates.
The court adjourned the matter until April 20, 2026, for hearing.
The ICPC said the arraignment reflects its continued commitment to promoting accountability and integrity in the public service.
In a related development, the commission had on January 29 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.