Supreme Court affirms ICPC’s conviction in N68m fraud case

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a major legal victory as the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirmed the conviction and sentencing of three individuals in a long-running corruption case.

In a unanimous judgment in Appeal No. SC/CR/592/2020, the apex court upheld earlier rulings by the Ogun State High Court and the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, bringing to a close over a decade of litigation.

The case involved Yusuf Temilade, alongside Adeyemi Alaba Samuel and Amuludun Tosin, all non-academic staff of Tai Solarin College of Education and executive members of the institution’s Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).

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The defendants, who served as Chairman, Secretary, and Acting Treasurer of the union, were entrusted with managing union funds.

According to the ICPC, investigations revealed that in 2011, the union obtained a loan of about ₦68 million from a commercial bank intended for disbursement to approximately 120 staff members. The process required oversight and authentication by key college officials.

However, the commission found that the defendants abused their positions by diverting funds, exceeding approved limits, and facilitating payments to individuals who were not staff of the institution.

The ICPC subsequently charged them with conspiracy and abuse of office under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

They were arraigned before the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta on a seven-count charge. On June 13, 2017, the trial court convicted them on multiple counts and sentenced them to five years imprisonment, with sentences to run concurrently.

The Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, later affirmed the conviction in December 2019, dismissing the appeal for lacking merit.

Still dissatisfied, the appellant approached the Supreme Court, which, after hearing arguments in January 2026, delivered its final judgment on April 17, 2026, affirming the decisions of the lower courts.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court clarified the definition of a “public officer” under the ICPC Act, holding that individuals cannot evade accountability by acting under the cover of union or cooperative leadership.

The court warned that accepting such a defence would enable public officers to exploit alternative platforms to divert funds meant for collective benefit.

Legal experts say the judgment strengthens the ICPC’s authority over funds managed by unions and similar bodies linked to public institutions, while also serving as a deterrent against abuse of office.

The ICPC commended its prosecution team, led by Enosa Omoghibo, for securing the conviction, reiterating its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management of public resources.