BREAD AND WATER FOR EX-FCTA DIRECTOR: ₦318m Fraud Lands Garuba Duku 24 Years in Jail

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission isn’t mentioned, but the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a 24-year prison sentence for Garuba Duku, a former Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). Duku was found guilty of diverting ₦318 million belonging to AMMC into his personal Fidelity Bank account between 2012 and 2013.

Key Highlights:

• Conviction and Sentence: Duku was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on each of the six counts, with the option to pay a fine of approximately ₦1.6 billion, equivalent to five times the amount involved in each count.
• Fraudulent Transactions: The funds were received in several installments, including ₦56.25 million, ₦71 million, ₦53 million, ₦54 million, ₦46 million, and ₦36.3 million, and later transferred to Bureau de Change operators for unauthorized purposes.
• ICPC’s Commitment: The ICPC has reiterated its commitment to holding public officers accountable for corruption and financial mismanagement.

Reaction and Implications:

• Justice Served: The court’s judgment is seen as a major victory in the fight against corruption, sending a strong message that public officers who betray trust will face justice.
• Deterrent Effect: The sentence is expected to serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in similar corrupt practices.