Federal Civil Servant Arraigned for Forgery, Salary Fraud in Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Mrs. Moses Oluwafunmilayo Esther, a federal civil servant, on charges of forgery and unlawful salary restoration through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

The defendant, who served as a Principal Administrative Officer in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, was arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on three counts bordering on fraud and forgery, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare.

According to the ICPC, Mrs. Esther allegedly forged a posting letter purportedly issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on January 20, 1998, under reference number HCSF/CMO/EMD/AOD/013/1/30. Investigations revealed that her appointment letter, posting instructions, and confirmation of appointment were also fraudulent.

“Verification by the Federal Civil Service Commission confirmed that no such records existed in its database,” the ICPC stated.

In addition, the Commission revealed that the defendant’s salary was suspended in November 2021 due to her failure to appear before a disciplinary committee. However, she allegedly manipulated the IPPIS platform to unlawfully resume salary payments in January 2022, without official authorization.

One of the formal charges read in court stated:

“That you, Oluwafunmilayo Esther (F), on or about 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to commit fraud, did forge a document to wit: a posting letter dated 17th June 2021, with Reference No. HCSF/CMO/EMD/002/S.12/T.4.110, purportedly emanating from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation…”

Mrs. Esther pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Her lawyer, Mr. Chima Okason, applied for bail on liberal terms, which was not opposed by the prosecution, represented by Mrs. Olubunmi Ayo.

Justice Yusuf Halilu, the presiding judge, granted her conditional bail, stipulating that:

• Two sureties must be serving federal directors within the FCT

• Sureties must provide proof of their civil service promotions

• They must sign a written undertaking to be remanded if the defendant absconds

The case has been adjourned until July 8, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

The ICPC reiterated its commitment to rooting out fraud in public service, particularly involving manipulation of payroll systems and forged employment credentials.