ICPC Arraigns Ex-ARMTI Director Over Alleged Multi-Million Naira Fraud

ICPC Arraigns Ex-ARMTI Director Over Alleged Multi-Million Naira Fraud

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arraigned a former Director of Finance and Supply at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute, Ibitoye Olajide Moses, before a Kwara State High Court over alleged multi-million naira contract fraud and abuse of office.

Moses was docked before Justice H.A. Saleeman on a 24-count charge bordering on conferring unfair advantage, acquisition of interests in public contracts, misappropriation of funds and making false statements to investigators.

According to a statement signed on Tuesday by the ICPC spokesperson, Okor Odey, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him.

Following his plea, defence counsel, Mr. Oluwasheye Adeboye, applied for bail, which was not opposed by prosecution counsel, Mr. David Nwaze. The court subsequently granted him bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties resident within the court’s jurisdiction, one of whom must own landed property.

The case was adjourned to May 26, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the former director used his position to influence the award of several contracts to companies in which he had direct and indirect interests.

Among the allegations is a ₦48.52 million contract for entrepreneurship training on oil palm production for women in Akwa Ibom State, awarded to Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd, a company in which he is said to be a director and shareholder.

He was also accused of benefiting from a ₦29.95 million contract for dry season farming training and a ₦40 million contract for youth and women empowerment in agricultural value chains, both allegedly awarded to the same firm.

In another instance, the commission alleged that he derived an indirect benefit of ₦550,000 from a ₦28.85 million contract awarded to Synergy Impact Consulting Ltd.

The charges further detailed contracts valued at ₦15.8 million, ₦14.96 million, ₦10 million and ₦19.83 million, among others, in which the defendant allegedly had vested interests and influenced the procurement process to favour affiliated companies.

The ICPC also accused him of misappropriating ₦3 million said to have been collected as administrative charges on contracts awarded by the institute.

Investigators further alleged that Moses maintained active involvement in Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd while still serving as a public officer, alongside his wife, who is also a director and signatory to the company’s accounts.

One of the counts also accused him of making false statements during the investigation by denying links to the companies, claims the commission said were contradicted by documentary evidence.

“The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and tender documentary exhibits to substantiate the allegations during the trial,” the statement said.