The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a staff member of the Ebonyi State Accountant-General’s Office, Obasi Nicholas Sunday, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki over alleged involvement in a N61 million money laundering scheme.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Mr Okor Odey, the spokesperson of the Commission.
According to him, Obasi was docked on Thursday before Justice H. I. O. Oshomah of Federal High Court 1, Abakaliki, on a two-count charge bordering on money laundering.
He said that, “The charges, filed under suit number FHC/A1/6C/25, accuse the defendant of engaging in structured financial transactions designed to evade mandatory reporting requirements under the law.”
According to the ICPC, Obasi, who is a signatory to the Ebonyi State Government Shopping Mall Account domiciled with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), allegedly withdrew a total of N61 million from the government account in August 2020.
“The withdrawals were reportedly made in six separate tranches of N10 million each, alongside an additional withdrawal of N1 million, in what the Commission described as an attempt to avoid triggering statutory reporting thresholds.,” Odey said.
The anti-corruption agency further alleged that within the same period, the defendant deposited N60,941,725 into the UBA account of a contractor to the Ebonyi State Government, Ikechukwu Obiukwu.
The deposits were also allegedly structured in installments of N10 million and N941,725 to circumvent financial reporting obligations.
The ICPC stated that the alleged offences contravene Section 19(1)(c) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and are punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same law.
When the charges were read to him, Obasi pleaded not guilty.
Following his plea, ICPC counsel, Agbili Ezenwa Kingsley, requested a date for the commencement of trial, while defence counsel, Michael Ngwu, filed a bail application on behalf of his client. The prosecution did not oppose the application.
Justice Oshomah subsequently granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million, with one surety who must be the Accountant-General of Ebonyi State.
The surety is required to sign an undertaking to produce the defendant in court and submit two recent passport photographs, while the defendant must also sign a similar undertaking and provide passport photographs.
The court adjourned the matter to March 24 and 25, 2026, for the commencement of hearing.
The ICPC reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and prosecuting financial crimes in line with its mandate to promote transparency and integrity in public service.
