The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a director in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mrs Adiobome Blessing Lere-Adams, on a six-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and corruption.
Mrs Lere-Adams was brought before Justice M.S. Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, February 16, 2026, over allegations that she unlawfully received and retained funds traced to corrupt activities.
According to the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/551/2025, the offences allegedly took place between August 2022 and January 2024 within the Federal Capital Territory.
The prosecution, led by Mrs Onwuka Ngozi, told the court that the defendant received various sums of money from a subordinate, Mr Henry David, funds she allegedly knew — or reasonably ought to have known — were proceeds of unlawful acts.
The anti-graft agency further alleged that portions of the funds were transferred to her husband, Mr Olujimi Lere-Adams, and into a Fidelity Bank account belonging to her son, Jafe Joel Lere-Adams.
One of the counts states that on or about August 18, 2022, the defendant, while serving as a director in the ministry, took possession of and retained ₦2 million transferred into her First Bank account by her subordinate. The prosecution argues that the funds formed part of the proceeds of corruption, contrary to Section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The charges also cite alleged violations of the Penal Code (Northern Nigeria) Federal Provisions Act and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The defendant, represented by Barrister Nduka, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
Following an application for bail, the court granted her bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like sum. The surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, present a verifiable address, submit two passport photographs for confirmation by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), file a sworn affidavit, and provide three years’ tax clearance certificates for inspection.
Justice Liman also approved a 72-hour window for the defendant to perfect the bail conditions, warning that failure to comply would result in revocation.
The matter was adjourned until April 20, 2026, for hearing.
The ICPC stated that the prosecution underscores its continued resolve to ensure accountability in public service and to pursue cases involving abuse of office to their logical conclusion.
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