ICPC Arraigns Ministry Of Works Director In Abuja For Alleged Money Laundering, Corruption
ICPC Arraigns Works Ministry Director Over Alleged ₦2m Money Laundering
February 17, 2026
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences commission (ICPC) has arraigned a director in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mrs Adiobome Blessing Lere-Adams, on charges of alleged money laundering and corruption before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Lere-Adams was arraigned on Monday, February 16, 2026, before Justice M.S. Liman under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/551/2025.
According to the ICPC, the defendant allegedly received and retained funds from a subordinate officer, which she knew or reasonably ought to have known were proceeds of corrupt practices. The alleged offences were said to have occurred between August 2022 and January 2024 within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Allegations
The prosecution, led by Mrs Onwuka Ngozi, told the court that Lere-Adams received various sums from Mr Henry David, a subordinate in the ministry.
The anti-graft agency further alleged that she transferred significant portions of the funds to her husband, Mr Olujimi Lere-Adams, and into a Fidelity Bank account belonging to her son, Jafe Joel Lere-Adams, despite allegedly being aware that the money was derived from unlawful activities.
She faces a six-count charge bordering on alleged violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; the Penal Code (Northern Nigeria) Federal Provisions Act; and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
One of the counts alleges that on or about August 18, 2022, she directly took possession of and retained ₦2 million transferred to her First Bank account by her subordinate, when she reasonably ought to have known the funds were proceeds of corruption.
Bail and Adjournment
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all six charges.
Following a bail application by her counsel, Barrister Nduka, Justice Liman granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like sum.
The court directed that the surety must reside within its jurisdiction, provide a verifiable address, submit two passport photographs for verification by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and file an affidavit alongside three years’ tax clearance certificates.
At the request of the defence and without objection from the prosecution, the court granted the defendant 72 hours to meet the bail conditions, warning that failure to comply would result in revocation of bail.
The case was adjourned until April 20, 2026, for hearing.
The ICPC reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability in public service, stating that officials who abuse their positions for personal gain would face prosecution in accordance with the law.