IPPIS staff face court over N1.17 million salary diversion scam

Two payroll officers at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Lagos have been accused of siphoning over N1 million meant for former government workers. The officers, Chief Accountant Shola Onasanya and Principal Executive Officer Halimat Olalere, now face corruption charges for allegedly diverting these funds into their personal accounts.

At a Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, the ICPC prosecutor, Assistant Director Enosa Omoghibo, informed the court about a plea bargain agreement reached with the defendants. Following the agreement filed on September 4, the prosecution amended the initial charges and sought to have these read to the accused.

Between January and December 2023, the defendants reportedly failed to stop salary payments to ex-staff, instead manipulating payroll records to continue receiving these funds. The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) alleges that Olalere’s payroll account was substituted, allowing salaries meant for former employees to be rerouted. Onasanya is said to have instructed Olalere to transfer these funds into his personal bank account.

Justice Ibrahim Kala, presiding over the case, reminded the prosecution that court permission was necessary before introducing amended charges. Omoghibo then formally requested leave to substitute the original charges with the amended ones, which were read to the defendants without objection from the defense.

Both Onasanya and Olalere pleaded guilty to the charges. The prosecutor moved to have the plea bargain terms entered as judgment under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, supported by a statement of facts and a verifying affidavit.

However, Justice Kala stressed that under Section 274 of the ACJA, a guilty plea alone cannot secure a conviction without supporting evidence. He pointed out that although the guilty plea eases the prosecution’s burden, the court still requires evidence to safely convict the defendants.

In response, the defense counsel requested an adjournment to prepare the necessary legal steps. The court granted the adjournment and fixed September 18 for a review of the facts, when the prosecution is expected to present evidence to back their case.

The ICPC’s charge sheet states the defendants converted N1.17 million by manipulating payroll procedures at FMC Ebute Meta. This case highlights the ongoing fight against corruption within government payroll systems, emphasizing the need for accountability in managing public funds.