The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Mr. Garuba Mohammed Duku, to 24 years in prison for diverting N318 million belonging to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after finding Duku guilty on six counts of corruption and money laundering filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022.
Investigations by the ICPC showed that between 2012 and 2013, Duku diverted N318,250,000 from AMMC’s accounts into his personal Fidelity Bank account.
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He allegedly received several payments, including N56.25 million, N71 million, N53 million, N54 million, N46 million, and N36.3 million which he transferred to Bureau de Change operators for unauthorized transactions.
During the trial, the ICPC proved that Duku’s method of fund withdrawal and transfer was fraudulent, violating government financial regulations.
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The Commission also disproved his claim that he remitted the money to his superiors since he failed to produce any supporting evidence.
Consequently, Justice Omotosho ruled that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt.
He sentenced Duku to four years on each of the six counts, to run concurrently, or an option of a fine totaling about N1.6 billion.
The ICPC reaffirmed its resolve to hold public officials accountable and ensure that anyone who betrays public trust faces the full weight of the law.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
