ICPC Arraigns Ministry Director Over Alleged Money Laundering, Corruption
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Blessing Lere-Adams, a Director with the Federal Ministry of Works, on six charges of money laundering and corruption.
Lere-Adams appeared before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday over alleged offences said to have occurred between August 2022 and January 2024 in the Federal Capital Territory.
The case is listed as FHC/ABJ/CR/551/2025.
According to ICPC spokesman John Odey, the commission, represented by counsel Onwuka Ngozi, accused Lere-Adams of receiving various sums of money from her subordinate, Henry David, funds she allegedly knew or ought to have known were proceeds of corruption.
The commission further alleged that she transferred portions of the funds to her husband, Olujimi Lere-Adams, and to a Fidelity Bank account belonging to her son, Jafe Lere-Adams.
One of the charges states that on August 18, 2022, Lere-Adams “directly took possession of and retained N2 million transferred to your First Bank account by Henry David, your subordinate, when you reasonably ought to have known that such fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: corruption,” contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Lere-Adams, represented by counsel Nduka, pleaded not guilty to all charges and applied for bail. Justice M. Liman granted bail of N5 million with one surety in like sum.
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, and present a sworn affidavit along with three years’ tax clearance for court inspection.
The matter was adjourned to April 20, 2026, for hearing.
Odey said the arraignment demonstrates ICPC’s continued commitment to enforcing accountability in public service.
The commission had earlier arraigned Yusuf Mustapha, Deputy Director at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, over alleged forgery before the FCT High Court, Maitama, on January 29.
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