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 charges bordering on money laundering and corruption.
Mrs. Lere-Adams was brought before Honourable Justice M.S. Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, February 16, 2026, under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/551/2025.
According to the ICPC prosecution team led by Mrs. Onwuka Ngozi, the defendant allegedly received and retained funds from her subordinate, Mr. Henry David, which she knew or reasonably ought to have known were proceeds of corruption. The alleged offences occurred between August 2022 and January 2024 in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Commission further alleged that Mrs. Lere-Adams transferred substantial portions of the funds to her spouse, Mr. Olujimi Lere-Adams, and into a Fidelity Bank account belonging to her son, Jafe Joel Lere-Adams, despite being aware of the illicit origin of the money.
She faces a six-count charge, including violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the Penal Code (Northern Nigeria) Federal Provisions Act, and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
One of the counts alleges that on August 18, 2022, while serving as a Director at the Ministry, she directly took possession of and retained ₦2,000,000 transferred into her First Bank account by her subordinate, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.
The defendant, represented by Barrister Nduka, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following a bail application by the defence, Justice Liman granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like amount. The surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, provide a verifiable address, submit two passport photographs for verification by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and present a sworn affidavit along with three years’ tax clearance documents for court inspection.
At the defence’s request, and without objection from the prosecution, the court granted a 72-hour grace period for the defendant to meet the bail conditions, warning that failure to comply would result in revocation of bail.
The matter has been adjourned until April 20, 2026, for hearing.
In a statement signed by J. Okor Odey, Spokesperson and Head of Media & Public Communications, the ICPC reiterated its commitment to holding public servants accountable and ensuring that individuals who abuse positions of trust for personal gain are brought to justice.
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