The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a civil servant, Mrs. Moses Oluwafunmilayo Esther, before Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on charges of document forgery and salary fraud.

Mrs. Esther, who served as a Principal Administrative Officer at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, faces a three-count charge related to forging official documents and manipulating the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

According to the ICPC, the accused allegedly forged a letter of posting dated January 20, 1998, with Reference No. HCSF/CMO/EMD/AOD/013/1/30, purportedly issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

The Commission further alleged that Mrs. Esther submitted falsified documents including a gazette, appointment letter, confirmation letter, and posting instruction during her tenure at the ministry. A verification process conducted by the Federal Civil Service Commission reportedly confirmed that none of these documents existed in official records.

Following her failure to honor an invitation by a committee set up by the Head of Service to investigate the alleged fake posting, her salary was suspended in November 2021. However, in January 2022, she allegedly exploited her access as a role player on the IPPIS platform to unlawfully reinstate her salary without obtaining approval from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

One of the charges 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."

The defendant pleaded "not guilty" to all charges. Her legal representative, Mr. Chima Okason, requested bail on liberal terms, which was not opposed by ICPC counsel, Mrs. Olubunmi Ayo.

Justice Halilu granted Mrs. Esther bail with the condition that she provides two credible sureties, both of whom must be serving directors in federal parastatals located within the Federal Capital Territory. The sureties are required to present proof of their initial and most recent promotions, along with a written undertaking agreeing to be remanded in custody should the defendant fail to appear in court.

The case has been adjourned until July 8, 2025, for the commencement of trial.