Laraba MUREY
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has secured the conviction of Lukumanu Sani Waziri, an accountant at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, UDUTH, Sokoto, for diverting over N60 million through the Government Integrated Financial Information System, GIFMIS.
Waziri, who faced a nine-count charge of corruption and abuse of office, was found guilty on seven counts by Justice M. Abdulgafar of the Federal High Court, Sokoto. The court sentenced him to various prison terms totaling seven years or fines ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦500,000 for specific charges, to run concurrently.
During the trial, ICPC prosecutor Dr. Osuobeni Akponimisingha presented evidence showing how Waziri altered financial records on GIFMIS and facilitated the illegal transfer of funds into private accounts, including his own. The diverted money included state taxes meant for Kogi, Edo, Bauchi, and Zamfara States, which were fraudulently rerouted to the account of one Monday Michael Adejo.
In one instance, Waziri transferred over N20 million into Adejo’s account in 2020. ICPC described the act as a blatant abuse of office, with funds forming part of proceeds from corruption and fraud.
“This conviction underscores ICPC’s commitment to ensuring accountability and justice in the management of public funds,” said Demola Bakare, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education at ICPC.
The Commission urged public institutions to strengthen internal financial controls to prevent similar crimes.
