ICPC Arraign Civil Servant For Allegedly Manipulating FG’s Salary Software

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a civil servant, Mrs. Moses Oluwafunmilayo Esther, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

The civil servant is accused of forging letter of posting and unlawfully manipulating the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to receive salaries while under suspension.

Mrs. Moses Oluwafunmilayo Esther was arraigned on Monday, May 12, before Justice Yusuf Halilu on a three-count charge filed by the ICPC.

According to the commission, Mrs. Esther allegedly faked a posting letter dated January 20, 1998, and claimed it was issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

Further investigations reportedly showed that several documents she submitted—including her appointment, confirmation, and posting letters—were forged.

Mrs. Esther, who worked as a Principal Administrative Officer in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, also allegedly ignored a summons by a committee investigating the forged documents.

As a result, her salary was suspended in November 2021 pending the outcome of the investigation.

However, in January 2022, ICPC said she used her access to the government’s IPPIS payment system to secretly reinstate her salary without getting the necessary approval from the Office of the Head of Service.

Count One of the charge read: “That you, Oluwafunmilayo Esther (F), on or about 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to commit fraud, did forge a document to wit: a posting letter dated 17th June 2021, with Reference No. HCSF/CMO/EMD/002/S.12/T.4.110, purportedly emanating from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, bearing your name, Moses Oluwafunmilayo Esther, and six (6) others; and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Laws of the FCT.” 

When the court read the charges, Mrs. Esther pleaded not guilty.

Her lawyer, Mr. Chima Okason, requested bail, which was not opposed by ICPC’s lawyer, Mrs. Olubunmi Ayo.

Justice Halilu granted her bail on the condition that she provides two reliable sureties—both of whom must be current directors in any federal government agency within the FCT.

These sureties are required to show proof of their first and latest promotions and sign an undertaking that they will be jailed if she fails to appear in court.

The presiding judge subsequently adjourned proceedings till the 8th of July, 2025, for the commencement of the trial.

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