ICPC Charges Ex-Ministry Official For Alleged Misuse Of Public Funds

Former Deputy Director Faces Corruption Allegations

Hey there, let’s dive into a serious matter involving public funds and accountability. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has taken action against a former Deputy Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Christiana Goka. She's being charged with allegedly misusing a staggering ₦5,398,656 of public funds. This case has made its way to the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kwula, Abuja, where Justice J.A. Aina is presiding over the matter.

According to reliable sources at Naija News, Goka, who used to lead the Department of Research Monitoring Information System at the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, is now answering to five serious charges. These charges include allegations of fund misappropriation and making false statements, which have drawn significant attention. Let’s break it down further.

ICPC Spokesman Details the Allegations

Ademola Bakare, the official spokesman for ICPC, has laid out the charges against Goka in clear terms. It’s alleged that she misappropriated a significant amount of ₦5,164,656. This money was earmarked for a management retreat that was supposed to take place in Dutse, Jigawa State, back in 2017. But here’s the kicker: the retreat never actually happened. Her actions, as per Bakare, are in direct violation of Section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and she could face penalties under Section 25(1)(b).

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One of the charges reads as follows: “You, Mrs. Christiana Goka, during 2017, as a public officer serving as the Deputy Director and Head of the Department of Research Monitoring Information System at the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Garki, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, gave yourself a corrupt advantage in the sum of ₦5,164,656.00. This amount was part of a larger sum of ₦5,398,656.00 meant for the Botched Management Retreat at Dutse, Jigawa State in 2017. This act is contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

Another charge highlights her alleged falsehoods: “You, Mrs. Christiana Goka, during 2017, while serving as the Deputy Director and Head of Department Research Monitoring-Information System in the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Garki Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, made a statement on February 18, 2022, to Sado Danjuma, an officer of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. In this statement, you claimed that ₦1,000,000.00 returned to you in cash by one Bassey Ikpeme on the instruction of the then Director General of DTCA, Ambassador Abduljalil Suleiman (now deceased), was false and never happened. This statement, known to be false, is contrary to Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.”

Legal Proceedings Begin

On March 27, 2025, the trial commenced with the prosecution attorney, David Nwaze, presenting two key witnesses. These witnesses provided detailed testimonies, which were thoroughly cross-examined by the defense. It’s a complex case that requires a meticulous examination of all facts presented.

Now, here’s where the legal process gets interesting. After Goka pleaded not guilty to all charges, the court revisited the bail conditions. She was previously granted administrative bail, and the court allowed her to continue under the same terms. However, there are specific conditions attached. Goka must provide a surety who is employed in the Federal Republic of Nigeria at Grade Level 15 or above and resides in Abuja. This surety must submit a letter of appointment, proof of last promotion, an identity card, and a passport photograph.

Justice J.A. Aina adjourned the case, allowing time for further proceedings. This case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public service. It’s a stark reminder that misuse of public funds will not be tolerated, and those involved will face the full force of the law.