By George Ozalla
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a former Director of Finance and Supply at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, Kwara State, Ibitoye Olajide Moses, before the Kwara State High Court over allegations of contract fraud and abuse of office involving multiple millions of naira.
The defendant was brought before Justice H.A. Saleeman on a 24-count charge bordering on conferring unfair advantage, acquisition of private interests in public contracts, misappropriation of public funds, and making false statements during investigations.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following his plea, defence counsel, Oluwasheye Adeboye, applied for bail which was not opposed by the prosecution counsel, David Nwaze. The court granted bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦5,000,000 with two sureties who must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction, one of whom is required to own landed property. The matter was adjourned to May 26, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Investigations by the ICPC indicate that the defendant allegedly used his position to influence the award of several contracts to companies in which he had direct and indirect interests, amounting to tens of millions of naira.
He is accused of benefiting from a ₦48.52 million contract for entrepreneurship training on oil palm production for women in Akwa Ibom State, awarded to Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd, a company in which he is alleged to be a director and shareholder.
Further allegations show that he also derived financial advantage from a ₦29.95 million contract for dry season farming training and another ₦40 million contract for youth and women empowerment in agricultural value chains, both awarded to the same company.
In another instance, he was said to have received an indirect financial benefit of ₦550,000 from a ₦28.85 million contract awarded to Synergy Impact Consulting Ltd.
The charges also cover additional contracts valued at ₦15.8 million, ₦14.96 million, ₦10 million, and ₦19.83 million, among others, where he allegedly had interests and influenced procurement processes to favour affiliated entities.
He is further accused of dishonestly misappropriating ₦3 million, reportedly collected as administrative charges on contracts executed under ARMTI.
The ICPC also alleged that while still in public service, he maintained active involvement in Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd alongside his wife, who is also listed as a director and signatory to the company’s accounts.
One of the counts further alleges that he made false statements to investigators by denying his connection to the companies under investigation, claims said to be contradicted by documentary evidence.
The court is expected to hear witnesses and review documentary exhibits during the trial scheduled to begin in May.
