On Wednesday, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) formally arraigned Mrs. Aishatu Abdullahi, the Director of Administration and Supplies at the National Boundary Commission, before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court. Additionally, she faced charges alongside Mrs. Rahila Ghaji, an Assistant Chief Accountant within the agency.
The allegations suggest that both women conspired to allow Ghaji to participate in a senior promotion exercise. Furthermore, they allegedly facilitated her confirmation to the rank of Chief Accountant (Level 14) while she was still employed at Galaxy Backbone Limited. This action raises serious concerns about integrity within the Commission.
Moreover, Ghaji stands accused of forging an admission letter from Carnegie Mellon University, Rwanda. This letter, purportedly addressed to her husband, Suleiman Mishara, was intended to support her application for a leave of absence at the National Boundary Commission. Such actions clearly violate ethical standards.
The ICPC asserted that these offenses contravene Section 26(1)(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. Consequently, the charges are punishable under Section 19 of the same Act, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
When the charges were presented in court, both defendants pleaded not guilty. Following this plea, prosecuting counsel Fatimah Bardi requested the court to schedule a trial date. This would allow the anti-graft agency to substantiate its claims against the accused.
In response, the defendants’ counsel, Akinyemi Aremu and Adebayo Eniwaye, promptly submitted bail applications. They urged the court to grant bail pending the hearing and determination of the case. Notably, the prosecution did not oppose these bail applications.
Justice Yusuf Halilu granted bail to both defendants, stipulating that they must each provide two sureties. This decision reflects the court’s commitment to ensuring due process while addressing the serious allegations at hand.