ICPC Arraigns Works Director Over Alleged Money Laundering
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 a six-count charge bordering on money laundering and corruption.
Lere-Adams was docked on Monday before Justice M.S. Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that she received and retained funds suspected to be proceeds of corruption.
According to the anti-graft agency, the offences were allegedly committed between August 2022 and January 2024 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The prosecution, led by Mrs. Onwuka Ngozi, told the court that the defendant unlawfully received various sums of money from her subordinate, Mr. Henry David.
The ICPC further alleged that Lere-Adams transferred substantial 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 knowing that the money originated from unlawful activities.
One of the charges states that on August 18, 2022, the defendant allegedly took possession of and retained N2 million transferred into her First Bank account by her subordinate, funds she reasonably ought to have known were proceeds of corruption. The charge is said to contravene Section 18(2)(d) and is punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendant, represented by Barrister Nduka, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following a bail application by the defence, Justice Liman granted Lere-Adams bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like sum. The surety is required to reside within the court’s jurisdiction, provide a verifiable address, submit two passport photographs for verification by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), swear to an affidavit of means, and present three years’ tax clearance certificates.
The court granted the defendant 72 hours to perfect the bail conditions, warning that failure to comply would lead to revocation.
The matter was adjourned to April 20, 2026, for hearing.
Reaffirming its stance, the ICPC stated that it remains committed to ensuring accountability in public service and prosecuting individuals who abuse positions of trust for personal gain.
