The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Ewere Morgan Eseosa, a civil servant in Edo State, for fraudulently collecting double salaries from two government institutions.
In a statement on Friday, the ICPC said that Eseosa was earning salaries at the same time from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council. The act, which the commission described as a clear violation of anti-corruption laws, led to the illegal accumulation of N1,328,255.47.
Following investigations, ICPC prosecutor Dennis Nnaemeka Okoro took the case before the Edo State High Court, where Eseosa faced two charges of obtaining by false pretence and cheating, under Sections 419 and 421 of the Criminal Code Act 2004.
However, the charges were later amended to one after the defendant entered into a plea bargain and pleaded guilty.
Justice Williams Aziegbemhin sentenced Eseosa to one year in prison or a fine of N150,000. The court also ordered him to refund the total amount of N1,328,255.47 to the Federal Government through the ICPC Recovery Account.
The ICPC warned public servants against such illegal acts and pledged to continue its fight against corruption in all sectors of government.