By George Ozalla
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a former Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Dr. Godwin Sunday Audu, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Apo, Abuja, over allegations of corrupt enrichment and falsification of age.
He was arraigned on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, before Justice Binta Dogonyaro on a three count charge marked CR/634/25.
The Commission alleged that between January 1990 and December 2024, the defendant abused his office, falsified his date of birth, and used his position to confer unlawful advantage upon himself while in public service.
He was also accused of procuring an official Toyota Prado SUV for himself at the cost of ₦4 million without due process.
ICPC further alleged that the age falsification enabled him to unlawfully extend his tenure in service and continue receiving salaries and emoluments between 2020 and 2024 after his legitimate retirement period.
At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, L. O. Ali, raised preliminary objections challenging the competence of the charge, arguing that a similar matter was already before another court and alleging bad faith in the filing.
The prosecution counsel, Glory Iroegbu, opposed the application and urged the court to proceed with arraignment in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which requires that plea be taken before preliminary objections are heard.
Justice Dogonyaro upheld the position of the prosecution and ordered the defendant to enter his plea.
Dr. Audu pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following his plea, the defence applied for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution. The court granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million on each count with two sureties in like sum, with the sureties required to be property owners within the Federal Capital Territory and at least one being a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 10. The court also ordered the defendant to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the registry.
The matter was adjourned to May 14, 2026, for commencement of hearing.
This is contained in a press statement signed by J. Okor Odey, Anipr, Spokesperson for the Commission.
