The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a federal civil servant, Mrs. Moses Oluwafunmilayo Esther, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court for allegedly forging official posting documents and unlawfully manipulating the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to draw salaries while under suspension.
According to a press release issued on Wednesday by ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, the defendant, a Principal Administrative Officer with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, is facing a three-count charge bordering on forgery and fraud.
The Commission alleges that Mrs. Esther forged a posting letter dated 20th January 1998 with reference number HCSF/CMO/EMD/AOD/013/1/30, purportedly issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation. It further stated that her submitted documents—including the posting instruction, appointment letter, and confirmation of appointment—were all falsified.
“Verification by the Federal Civil Service Commission confirmed that no such records existed in its database,”;; the ICPC stated in the release.
In addition, Mrs. Esther reportedly failed to appear before an investigative committee set up by the Head of Service, prompting her salary to be suspended in November 2021.
However, ICPC investigations later revealed that she manipulated the IPPIS platform in January 2022 to illegally restore her salary payments without formal clearance.
One of the charges filed reads:
“That you, Oluwafunmilayo Esther (F), on or about 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to commit fraud, did forge a document to wit: a posting letter dated 17th June 2021, with Reference No. HCSF/CMO/EMD/002/S.12/T.4.110, purportedly emanating from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation... and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Laws of the FCT.”;;
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Her counsel, Mr. Chima Okason, requested that the court grant her bail on liberal terms. The prosecution, represented by Mrs. Olubunmi Ayo, did not oppose the application. Presiding Judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu, granted her bail with strict conditions, including the provision of two sureties who must be serving federal directors within the FCT.
The sureties are required to present evidence of their civil service promotions and sign a written undertaking to be remanded in custody should the defendant abscond.
The case has been adjourned to July 8, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
