By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a former Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr. Godwin Sunday Audu, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Apo, Abuja, over allegations of corrupt enrichment and falsification of age.
Dr. Audu was brought before Honourable Justice Binta Dogonyaro on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, on a three-count charge filed by the Commission.
According to the ICPC, the charges stem from alleged actions spanning more than three decades, during which the defendant is accused of abusing his office to confer undue advantage on himself and manipulating official records to extend his stay in public service.
At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, L. O. Ali, raised preliminary objections, arguing that a similar matter was already pending before another court and alleging that the charges were filed in bad faith.
However, prosecution counsel, Glory Iroegbu, opposed the application, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which mandate that arraignment must be concluded before any preliminary objections are entertained.
In her ruling, Justice Dogonyaro upheld the prosecution’s position and directed that the defendant take his plea. Dr. Audu subsequently pleaded not guilty to all charges.
One of the counts alleges that while serving as Acting Comptroller-General of NAQS, the defendant used his position to acquire an official Toyota Prado Land Cruiser SUV for ₦4,000,000 without due process, in violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The Commission further alleged that Dr. Audu falsified his date of birth in January 1990, declaring it as December 3, 1964, instead of July 25, 1960, in order to unlawfully extend his tenure in the federal public service.
It also accused him of continuing to receive salaries and allowances between January 2020 and December 2024 beyond his legitimate retirement period, based on the alleged falsified records.
Following his plea, defence counsel applied for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution.
Justice Dogonyaro granted bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦5,000,000 per count, with two sureties in like sum. The court stipulated that the sureties must be property owners within the FCT, with at least one being a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 10. The defendant was also ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court registry.
The case was adjourned to May 14, 2026, for commencement of hearing.
Source: ICPC Press Release
