The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has successfully prosecuted Lukumanu Sani Waziri, an accountant at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, for embezzling over N60 million in public funds. Waziri exploited his access to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), a crucial government platform for financial management, to orchestrate the fraudulent diversion of funds into personal accounts, including his own and that of an accomplice, Monday Adejo. This case highlights the vulnerability of digital financial systems to insider threats and underscores the need for robust internal controls and vigilant oversight to prevent such abuses.
The ICPC’s investigation revealed a sophisticated scheme involving the manipulation of financial records and unauthorized alterations within the GIFMIS system. Waziri’s actions demonstrated a deliberate intent to defraud the government, betraying the trust placed in him as a public servant responsible for managing public finances. The diverted funds, totaling over N60 million, represent a significant loss to the public purse, depriving crucial sectors of resources intended for public services and development. The case was brought before Justice M. Abdulgafar of the Federal High Court in Sokoto in 2021, with Waziri and two other individuals facing a nine-count charge of fraud.
During the trial, the ICPC meticulously presented evidence showcasing Waziri’s intricate methods of manipulating financial data and facilitating the illegal transfer of funds. Dr. Osuobeni Akponimisingha, the ICPC prosecutor, detailed how Waziri exploited his privileged access to the GIFMIS system to alter bank account details, redirecting funds meant for state taxes into the private account of his accomplice, Monday Adejo. This manipulation involved funds designated for Kogi, Edo, Bauchi, and Zamfara States, demonstrating the wide-ranging impact of Waziri’s fraudulent activities.
One of the charges specifically highlighted a collaborative effort between Waziri and Adejo to steal over N20 million from the GIFMIS system and deposit it into Adejo’s First Bank account. This instance showcases a clear pattern of collusion and premeditation in their scheme to defraud the government. The detailed evidence presented by the prosecution painted a clear picture of Waziri’s deliberate actions and the significant financial damage inflicted on the public treasury.
After a thorough examination of the evidence, Justice Abdulgafar delivered a verdict finding Waziri guilty on seven of the nine counts. The sentencing reflects the severity of the crimes committed, with varying terms of imprisonment and fines imposed for different counts. For counts 1 and 2, Waziri was sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of N200,000. Counts 3, 4, and 5 carried a sentence of one year in prison each without the option of a fine, emphasizing the seriousness of these specific offenses. For counts 8 and 9, Waziri received a sentence of three years in prison or a fine of N500,000. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, meaning Waziri will serve a maximum of three years in prison.
This conviction serves as a significant victory for the ICPC in its ongoing fight against corruption and reinforces the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions. The case also highlights the need for continuous improvement in financial management systems and internal controls within government institutions to prevent future occurrences of such sophisticated fraud. The successful prosecution of Waziri sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated and that those who abuse public trust will face the consequences of their actions. The ICPC’s efforts in this case significantly contribute to upholding transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
