By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
📍 Lagos, Nigeria – May 28, 2025
In a decisive move against public sector corruption, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a Lagos State civil servant, Mr. Emmanuel Ogunyemi, for fraudulently drawing double salaries from two government entities.
According to a press release issued by the ICPC on Wednesday, Mr. Ogunyemi was found guilty of unlawfully receiving ₦3,491,874.90 from both the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) — a clear breach of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
Following an extensive investigation, Mr. Ogunyemi was arraigned before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja under Charge No: ID/25541C/2024. Initially facing eight counts, he opted for a plea bargain which reduced the charges to three counts, to which he pleaded guilty.
In lieu of custodial sentencing, the court handed down a series of non-custodial sanctions, including:
- A ₦1.5 million fine
- Three days of community service under the supervision of Lagos State’s Community Service Officers
- A ₦5 million good behaviour bond, subject to forfeiture if breached
- A written undertaking to maintain lawful conduct
Importantly, Mr. Ogunyemi had voluntarily refunded the full amount of the illicit gains to the ICPC before the court ruling, which was formally forfeited to the Federal Government as part of the final judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Ijelu.
The ICPC prosecution team, led by Mrs. Yvonne William-Mbata and supported by Mrs. Roseline Eze and Mrs. Oluwayemisi Pereira, emphasized the restorative focus of the commission’s approach. The defense was represented by Mr. Kehinde Adeleke.
While the non-custodial outcome reflects the Commission’s effort to balance punishment with restorative justice, public commentators have voiced concern that crimes of this nature should carry mandatory prison sentences to serve as a stronger deterrent. In a society battling systemic corruption, such punitive measures are increasingly viewed as necessary to dissuade others from abusing public trust.
This conviction sends a strong message to public officials on the consequences of unethical conduct and underscores ICPC’s continued drive to uphold integrity and accountability in governance.
🖊️ This report was compiled by the Newspot Nigeria Editorial Team.
FULL STATEMENT FROM ICPC
INDEPENDENT CORRUPT PRACTICES AND OTHER RELATED OFFENCES COMMISSION (ICPC)
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, 28th May 2025
ICPC Secures Conviction of Lagos Civil Servant Over Double Salary Fraud
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a Lagos State civil servant, Mr. Emmanuel Ogunyemi, for receiving double salaries in gross violation of anti-corruption laws.
Following a detailed investigation, the Commission uncovered that Mr. Ogunyemi had been simultaneously drawing salaries from two separate government entities—the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
This act, which contravenes the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, resulted in the illegal accumulation of ₦3,491,874.90 in unearned payments.
Upon conclusion of its investigation, ICPC charged Mr. Ogunyemi with eight counts of corrupt practices under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
The case was filed before the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja under Charge No: ID/25541C/2024, following necessary administrative approvals for prosecution.
Subsequently, the defendant entered into a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution. Under this arrangement, the initial eight-count charge was amended to three counts, to which the defendant pleaded guilty. The agreement allowed him to avoid a custodial sentence under the condition that he fulfill specified terms.
In line with the plea deal, Mr. Ogunyemi was sentenced to pay a fine of ₦1,500,000 and to complete three days of community service, as directed by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice’s Community Service Officers.
The accused was also required to execute a good behaviour bond valued at ₦5,000,000, which would be forfeited in the event of any future misconduct.
Before the court proceedings, Mr. Ogunyemi had voluntarily refunded the full amount of ₦3,491,874.90, identified as proceeds of crime, into the ICPC’s designated recovery account, and the court subsequently ordered the forfeiture of this sum to the Federal Government.
At the arraignment held on Tuesday before Hon. Justice Ijelu of the Ikeja High Court’s Criminal Division, the defendant admitted guilt to the amended charges, and the court formally convicted him.
In lieu of imprisonment, the court imposed the agreed non-custodial sanctions, reinforcing the Commission’s preference for alternative sentencing where appropriate and restorative actions have been taken.
Additionally, Mr. Ogunyemi submitted a written undertaking to the ICPC, pledging to maintain lawful conduct henceforth.
The ICPC’s prosecution team was led by Mrs. Yvonne William-Mbata, supported by Mrs. Roseline Eze and Mrs. Oluwayemisi Pereira, while Mr. Kehinde Adeleke represented the defendant.
This conviction underscores ICPC’s unwavering commitment to promoting integrity in public service and ensuring accountability among public officials.
Signed
Demola Bakare, fsi
Director, Public Enlightenment and Education/
Spokesperson for the Commission
