The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a civil servant, Mrs. Moses Oluwafunmilayo Esther, for allegedly manipulating the Federal Government’s payroll system to illegally receive salaries while under suspension.
Mrs. Esther, who served as a Principal Administrative Officer at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, was brought before Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Monday.
According to the ICPC, Mrs. Esther forged a letter of posting and submitted several fake documents — including appointment and confirmation letters — to secure a civil service position. The forged letter was claimed to have come from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
The Federal Civil Service Commission, after a review, confirmed that there were no records of such documents in its database. Following this, Mrs. Esther was suspended in November 2021 when she failed to appear before a disciplinary panel set up by the Head of Service.
Despite her suspension, the ICPC alleged that Mrs. Esther, who had access as a role player on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), unlawfully restored her salary in January 2022 without any official approval.
She was charged with three counts, including forgery and fraud. One of the charges read that she forged a posting letter in 2021 with intent to commit fraud, an offence punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code of the FCT.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Her lawyer, Mr. Chima Okason, requested bail, which was not opposed by ICPC’s counsel, Mrs. Olubunmi Ayo. Justice Halilu granted bail with strict conditions: she must produce two credible sureties who are currently serving as directors in any FCT-based federal agency. The sureties must also provide proof of their career progression and sign a written agreement to be held accountable if she jumps bail.
The judge adjourned the case to July 8, 2025, for trial to begin.
The ICPC continues to warn civil servants against abuse of office and misuse of government platforms like IPPIS, which is meant to ensure transparency and accountability in public service payroll.
