N109 million fraud allegation sparks legal battle against top officials

N109 million fraud allegation sparks legal action as two top officials are arraigned for diverting funds, money laundering, and conspiracy in donor-funded audits

N109 million fraud allegation has led to the arraignment of two senior government officials before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged Joshua Kadmi Luka and Oseni Yekini Adeniyi with conspiracy, money laundering, and diversion of public funds.

Joshua Kadmi Luka, a Director at the Office of the Auditor-General (formerly Ministry of Agriculture & Justice), and Oseni Yekini Adeniyi, a former Assistant Director at the Ministry of Agriculture, are at the center of the case.

According to the ICPC, Luka is accused of diverting ₦109.5 million meant for auditing donor-funded agricultural projects and transferring the funds to a bureau de change for unauthorized USD conversion.

Adeniyi allegedly retained ₦16.9 million in unspent allowances for personal use.

Both individuals face a five-count charge under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, including offenses such as conspiracy, money laundering, and diversion of public funds.

At their arraignment, both defendants pleaded not guilty, and the court granted them bail pending trial. The next court date is scheduled for November 24–26, 2025.

Also read: ICPC investigates Chris Ngige over NSITF contract allegations

This high-profile N109 million fraud allegation underscores the ICPC’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption within federal agencies and protect funds meant for critical public sector projects.

Source: Read more at freelanews.com

Peculiar Adirika