The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of four individuals and a company for conspiracy to offer bribes, payment of bribes, forgery, and making false statements to public officers.
The convicted persons are Kenneth Okezie Samuel (1st Defendant), Boss Engineering Nigeria Ltd (2nd Defendant), Collins Ugwu (3rd Defendant), and Cosmas Okechukwu Eze (4th Defendant).
They were arraigned before Hon. Justice A. O. Otaluka of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Apo Division, on a six-count charge contrary to the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003.
The charges included conspiracy to offer bribe, payment of bribe, forgery, and making false statements to public officers, in violation of Sections 22(6)(c), 22(1)(a)(i), and 25(1)(a) of the Act.
During the trial in Suit No. FCT/HC/CR/207/2016, the Commission presented substantial evidence showing that the defendants conspired to offer a bribe of ₦6,000,000.00 to officials of the Federal Ministry of Works to facilitate the award of a contract.
The defendants also submitted a forged tax clearance certificate as part of the prequalification documents for Boss Engineering Nigeria Ltd.
The ICPC prosecution team called seven witnesses and tendered several documentary exhibits in proof of the case.
After the adoption of final written addresses, the Court delivered its judgment on 14th July 2025, holding that the prosecution had proved all six counts beyond a reasonable doubt. Justice Otaluka ruled that the evidence established a deliberate scheme by the defendants to compromise the contract award process through bribery and document forgery.
The Court imposed the following penalties:
Kenneth Okezie Samuel (1st Defendant) was sentenced to two years imprisonment on each of Counts 1–6, to run concurrently, with an option of ₦1,000,000.00 fine. Boss Engineering Nigeria Ltd (2nd Defendant) was fined ₦1,000,000.00 each for Counts 1, 4, and 5. Collins Ugwu (3rd Defendant) received two years imprisonment on each of Counts 1, 4, 5, and 6, to run concurrently, with an option of ₦1,000,000.00 fine.
Cosmas Okechukwu Eze (4th Defendant) received one year imprisonment on each of Counts 1, 4, 5, and 6, to run concurrently, with an option of ₦500,000.00 fine. All defendants have since paid their fines.
The Commission views this judgment as a significant victory in the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria’s public procurement system.
The case underscores that attempts to undermine integrity in contract award processes through bribery, falsification, or deceit will be met with the full weight of the law.
ICPC reaffirms its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in engagements between public institutions and private entities.
The Commission commends the judiciary for its diligence and professionalism in adjudicating the matter and urges the public, civil society organisations, and the media to continue supporting the national anti-corruption effort by reporting suspicious activities through ICPC’s designated reporting channels.
Together, we can build a Nigeria where public contracts are awarded on merit and integrity prevails over corruption.
