ICPC arrests UNILORIN staff member over ‘N9.9m contract fraud’

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says its operatives have arrested one Zubair Olayemi over alleged contract fraud and abuse of office.

Azuka Ogugua, spokesperson of the commission, announced the development in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Olayemi, identified as a web programmer at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), was accused of benefitting from a contract awarded by the tertiary institution.

“In a Charge No: KWS/53C/2022 brought before Hon. Justice Adenike Akinpelu of Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin, ICPC accused the university staff of holding an indirect private interest in a contract awarded to Global-Wise ICT Solutions and Technology Limited of which he was the sole signatory to the company’s bank account,” the statement reads.

“The Commission, therefore, in a 2-count charge preferred against the accused person, informed the court of how the public servant used his position to confer corrupt advantage upon himself as the beneficial owner of Global-Wise ICT Solutions & Technology Limited, in which account the contract sum of N9,950,800.00 was paid.

“The said contract sum was meant for the provision of basic and extended portal services.

“His actions are contrary to, and punishable under sections 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

The ICPC said Olayemi pleaded not guilty to the offence, adding that Salman Jawando, the defendant’s counsel, asked the court to grant his client bail.

The counsel’s request was not opposed by the prosecution, and the judge was said to have admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N2 million, with two sureties in like sum.

The case has been adjourned till November 15 for commencement of hearing.