April 2, 2026 | News | SUNTV Global Channel
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a former Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Godwin Sunday Audu, over alleged corruption and falsification of age.
Audu was brought before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo, Abuja, on April 1, 2026, where he faced a three-count charge before Justice Binta Dogonyaro.
According to the ICPC, the defendant allegedly abused his office between 1990 and 2024 to secure unlawful benefits for himself. One of the charges claims that while serving as Acting Comptroller-General, he facilitated the sale of an official Toyota Prado Land Cruiser SUV to himself for ₦4 million without due process, in violation of anti-corruption laws.
The Commission further alleged that Audu falsified his date of birth, declaring it as December 3, 1964, instead of July 25, 1960, to unlawfully extend his tenure in public service. Based on this, he was said to have continued receiving salaries and benefits between January 2020 and December 2024 beyond his legitimate retirement period.
At the start of proceedings, defence counsel L. O. Ali raised preliminary objections, arguing that a similar case was already before another court and accusing the prosecution of acting in bad faith.
However, ICPC counsel, Glory Iroegbu, opposed the move, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which mandate that a defendant must first take a plea before such objections are entertained.
In her ruling, Justice Dogonyaro upheld the prosecution’s argument and ordered the defendant to enter his plea. Audu subsequently pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following the plea, the court granted him bail in the sum of ₦5 million per count, with two sureties in like sum. The court also directed that the sureties must own property within the FCT, with at least one being a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 10.
Additionally, the defendant was ordered to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court.
The case has been adjourned to May 14, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the case adds to growing scrutiny of public officials over alleged abuse of office and manipulation of service records within Nigeria’s civil service system.
