.jpeg "Top agric ministry officials are questioned by ICPC on an alleged N600m fund diversion.")
The invitation was issued in relation to the purported misappropriation of money designated for monitoring activities and awareness campaigns. The individuals extended invitations by the ICPC included Mr. Kwaido Sani, the Director of the Department, Mr. Buba Ardo Ishaku, the Deputy Director, Mr. Elam Sam, and Mrs. Morenike Damola, the Head of the Accounting Unit.
The invitation to the ICPC was extended via a formal letter with the reference number ICPC/OPS/GBP/OBS/220. The letter was addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, specifically calling the attention of the Head of the Farm Inputs Support Services Department.
On July 20, the office of the Permanent Secretary received and accepted a letter dated July 19, 2023. The letter was signed by Akeem Lawal, Director of Operations, on behalf of the Chairman of the ICPC.
In a document titled "Investigation Activities," the Commission announced its ongoing investigation into an alleged violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.
In accordance with Section 28 of the aforementioned Act, a request is made for the release of the individuals indicated below to attend a meeting at the headquarters of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The aforementioned statement was included in the letter.
Another letter, identified as ICPC/OPS/GBP/OBS/222 and dated July 21, 2023, was authored by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and directed to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture. The letter was specifically intended for the Director of Finance and Account.
The correspondence entitled "Investigation Activities" has formally requested the Permanent Secretary to authorize the presence of the Director of Finance and Account for an appearance before the ICPC.
The Commission is now conducting an investigation into the purported infringement of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.
In accordance with Section 28 of the aforementioned legislation, it is hereby asked that the Director of Finance and Account be released to attend a meeting with the undersigned on Wednesday, July 26th, 2023 at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja, commencing at 10:00am.
The officer is required to bring Certified True Copies of the listed papers pertaining to all payments made to the staff members of the Department of Farm Input Support Services Department from January 1, 2022, till the present time. According to the letter, the individuals mentioned are Kwaido Mohammed S, Buba Ishaku Ardo, Damola Morenike, Elam Sam, Aminu Dayyabu Mohammed, Mohammed Ayuba George, and Chimezie Bright.
The ICPC requested a set of papers, including payment vouchers, minutes detailing the authorization of payments, an authority letter granting permission to make payments, and any other pertinent documents.
It has been reported that the civil workers were apprehended during a covert operation conducted within their workplace. Subsequently, they were detained in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for a duration of five days, with the exception of the Director who was granted release on medical grounds.
According to a source, a significant sum totaling more than N600 million was withdrawn from the account of a Director. These funds were then converted into dollars and purportedly sent to the Permanent Secretary.
In addition to this, it has been reported that significant amounts of money were purportedly transferred from the department's accounts to the personal accounts of the implicated federal workers.
Additionally, it has been ascertained that a sum exceeding N200 million was discovered in the bank account of an interrogated official, while a sum exceeding N100 million was located in the bank account of one of their offspring.
According to a reliable source, a significant amount of cash, above N250 million, was discovered in the residence located in Abuja, belonging to one of the individuals under investigation. Additionally, the diligent efforts of ICPC detectives uncovered a substantial influx of funds, totaling over N60 million, during a span of six months, into the bank account associated with one of the suspects. The ICPC has been reported to have confiscated real estate properties, such as a bakery and a herbal hospital, as disclosed.