ICPC Secures Conviction Of 3, Firm Over ₦6m Fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of three individuals and a company for offences bordering on conspiracy, bribery, forgery, and making false statements to public officers.

In a statement posted on its website and sighted by LEADERSHIP on Wednesday, the Commission listed the convicted persons as Kenneth Okezie Samuel (1st Defendant), Boss Engineering Nigeria Ltd (2nd Defendant), Collins Ugwu (3rd Defendant), and Cosmas Okechukwu Eze (4th Defendant).

The convicts were arraigned before Justice A. O. Otaluka of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Apo Division on six-count charge of conspiracy to offer bribe, payment of bribe, forgery, and making false statements to public officers—offences committed in violation of Sections 22(6)(c), 22(1)(a)(i), and 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003.

During the trial, marked Suit No. FCT/HC/CR/207/2016, prosecutors presented evidence that the defendants conspired to offer a ₦6 million bribe to officials of the Federal Ministry of Works to secure the award of a contract.

The Commission further revealed that the group submitted a forged Tax Clearance Certificate as part of the prequalification documents for Boss Engineering Nigeria Ltd.

Seven witnesses and multiple documentary exhibits were tendered in proof of the case.

Delivering judgment on 14 July, 2025, Justice Otaluka held that the prosecution had proven all six counts beyond reasonable doubt. The Court found that the defendants engaged in a “deliberate scheme” to compromise the contract award process through bribery and document falsification.

“Kenneth Okezie Samuel (1st Defendant) was sentenced to two years imprisonment on each of Counts 1–6, to run concurrently, with an option of ₦1,000,000.00 fine.

“Boss Engineering Nigeria Ltd (2nd Defendant) was fined ₦1,000,000.00 each for Counts 1, 4, and 5.

“Collins Ugwu (3rd Defendant) received two years imprisonment on each of Counts 1, 4, 5, and 6, to run concurrently, with an option of ₦1,000,000.00 fine.

“Cosmas Okechukwu Eze (4th Defendant) received one year imprisonment on each of Counts 1, 4, 5, and 6, to run concurrently, with an option of ₦500,000.00 fine,” the anti-graft agency revealed.

The ICPC confirmed that all the convicts have paid their respective fines.

Describing the judgment as a major boost in its efforts to sanitise the public procurement space, the Commission said the case reinforces the message that attempts to manipulate contract processes through bribery, forgery, or deceit would be met with the full weight of the law.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in interactions between government institutions and private entities.

It also commended the judiciary for its diligence and urged citizens, civil society organisations, and the media to continue reporting suspicious activities through its designated channels.

“Together, we can build a Nigeria where public contracts are awarded on merit and integrity prevails over corruption,” the statement added.