The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a former Director of Finance and Supply at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, Kwara State, Ibitoye Olajide Moses, before the Kwara State High Court over alleged multi-million naira contract fraud and abuse of office.
The defendant was docked before Justice H.A. Saleeman on 24 counts bordering on conferring unfair advantage, acquiring private interests in public contracts, misappropriation of funds, and making false statements to investigators. He, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following his plea, defence counsel, Oluwasheye Adeboye, moved an application for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution counsel, David Nwaze. The court subsequently granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties resident within the court’s jurisdiction, one of whom must possess landed property.
The court adjourned the matter to May 26, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
According to the ICPC, investigations revealed that the defendant allegedly used his official position to influence the award of several contracts worth tens of millions of naira to companies in which he had direct and indirect interests.
Among the allegations is a ₦48.52 million contract for entrepreneurship training on oil palm production for women in Akwa Ibom State, awarded to Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd, a company in which he is allegedly a director and shareholder.
The anti-graft agency further alleged that he benefited from a ₦29.95 million contract for dry season farming training and a ₦40 million contract for youth and women empowerment in agricultural value chains, both awarded to the same firm.
In another instance, the defendant was said to have obtained an indirect benefit of ₦550,000 from a ₦28.85 million contract awarded to Synergy Impact Consulting Ltd.
Additional counts detail contracts valued at ₦15.8 million, ₦14.96 million, ₦10 million, and ₦19.83 million, among others, in which he allegedly had interests and exerted influence over the procurement process to favour affiliated companies.
The prosecution also alleged that the defendant misappropriated ₦3 million, purportedly collected as administrative charges on contracts awarded by ARMTI.
The ICPC further stated that Moses maintained active involvement in Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd while still in public service, alongside his wife, who is also a director and signatory to the company’s accounts.
He was also accused of making false statements to investigators by denying his directorship and financial dealings with the companies, claims the Commission said were contradicted by documentary evidence.
The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and tender documentary exhibits to substantiate the allegations when the trial begins.
