Airport official convicted for corruption over diversion of N11.2m

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Mohammed Idris, a supervisor at the Hajj and cargo terminal gate of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for making false returns and corrupt self-enrichment.

In a statement by ICPC’s Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, Ademola Bakare, the commission detailed how Idris was found guilty of collecting missing funds at the terminal but failing to account for them. The case was heard by Justice O.A. Fadipe of the Ikeja Special Offences Court.

ICPC’s counsel, Yvonne Williams-Mbata, presented evidence showing that under Idris’ supervision, a total of N11,234,000 went unaccounted for between February 2001 and April 2021. His actions violated Sections 26(1)(b) and 25(1) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Justice Fadipe sentenced Idris to one year in prison on each of the two counts, with an option of a N1 million fine for both charges. The sentences will run concurrently.

Additionally, the convicted official must enter a bond of N2 million with the High Court, requiring him to maintain good behavior. Failure to comply with this condition will result in an additional 10 years in prison.

The conviction underscores the ICPC’s ongoing efforts to curb corruption and financial misconduct in Nigeria’s public service sector.