By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a Lagos State civil servant, Mr. Emmanuel Ogunyemi, for receiving double salaries from two government entities, in clear violation of anti-corruption laws.
According to an official signed statement by the Commission’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, a detailed investigation revealed that Mr. Ogunyemi was simultaneously on the payroll of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), unlawfully earning a total of ₦3,491,874.90.
Following the investigation, Mr. Ogunyemi was charged with eight counts of corrupt practices under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. The case, registered under Charge No: ID/25541C/2024, was filed at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja after receiving the required prosecutorial approvals.
During the proceedings, the defendant entered a plea bargain with the Commission, leading to an amendment of the charges from eight to three. Mr. Ogunyemi pleaded guilty to the reduced charges before Justice Ijelu of the Ikeja High Court’s Criminal Division.
As part of the plea agreement, the court imposed non-custodial sanctions. Mr. Ogunyemi was sentenced to pay a fine of ₦1,500,000 and complete three days of community service, under the supervision of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice’s Community Service Officers. He was also required to enter into a good behaviour bond of ₦5,000,000, which he would forfeit in the event of future misconduct.
Before his arraignment, Mr. Ogunyemi had voluntarily refunded the entire sum of ₦3,491,874.90 to the ICPC’s recovery account. The court ordered the forfeiture of the refunded sum to the Federal Government.
In addition to the sentence, the convicted civil servant submitted a written undertaking to the ICPC, pledging to abide by lawful conduct going forward.
The ICPC prosecution team was led by Mrs. Yvonne William-Mbata, with support from Mrs. Roseline Eze and Mrs. Oluwayemisi Pereira. Mr. Kehinde Adeleke represented the defendant.
The Commission stated that the case reflects its continued commitment to upholding integrity and accountability in public service, while embracing non-custodial sentencing where restitution has been made and justice served.
