By John Ogunsemore
A Lagos State civil servant, Mr. Emmanuel Ogunyemi has been convicted for receiving double salaries in gross violation of anti-corruption laws.
Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja’s Criminal Division convicted the defendant on Wednesday following his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a statement, the ICPC said it conducted a detailed investigation that uncovered that Ogunyemi had been simultaneously drawing salaries from two separate government entities — the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The ICPC said the act, which contravenes the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, resulted in the illegal accumulation of ₦3,491,874.90 in unearned payments.
“Upon conclusion of its investigation, ICPC charged Mr. Ogunyemi with eight counts of corrupt practices under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
“The case was filed before the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja under Charge No: ID/25541C/2024, following necessary administrative approvals for prosecution.
“Subsequently, the defendant entered into a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution. Under this arrangement, the initial eight-count charge was amended to three counts, to which the defendant pleaded guilty. The agreement allowed him to avoid a custodial sentence under the condition that he fulfill specified terms.
“In line with the plea deal, Mr. Ogunyemi was sentenced to pay a fine of ₦1,500,000 and to complete three days of community service, as directed by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice’s Community Service Officers,” the commission said.
The accused was also required to execute a good behaviour bond valued at ₦5,000,000, which would be forfeited in the event of any future misconduct.
“Before the court proceedings, Mr. Ogunyemi had voluntarily refunded the full amount of ₦3,491,874.90, identified as proceeds of crime, into the ICPC’s designated recovery account, and the court subsequently ordered the forfeiture of this sum to the Federal Government,” the commission disclosed.
At the arraignment held on Tuesday before Hon. Justice Ijelu of the Ikeja High Court’s Criminal Division, the defendant admitted guilt to the amended charges, and the court formally convicted him.
In lieu of imprisonment, the court imposed the agreed non-custodial sanctions, reinforcing the ICPC’s preference for alternative sentencing where appropriate and restorative actions have been taken.
Additionally, Ogunyemi submitted a written undertaking to the ICPC, pledging to maintain lawful conduct henceforth.