ICPC Arraigns Federal Works Director for Money Laundering

Bless Lere Adam, a director at the Federal Ministry of Works, was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday, facing six charges of money laundering under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria. The charges stem from alleged offenses committed between August 2022 and January 2024.

ICPC spokesman John Odei stated that Adam received various sums of money from her subordinate, Henri David, and transferred part of the funds to her husband, Mr. Olujimi Lere Adam, and to a bank account belonging to her son, Jafe Lere Adam.

The specific charge included the unlawful possession and retention of N2,000,000. Adam pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court granted her bail of N5 million with conditions, including providing two passport photographs and a sworn affidavit.

The case has been adjourned to April 20, 2026. Additionally, on January 29, ICPC arraigned Yusuf Mustapha, a deputy director at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, for forgery.