The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted a former Director of Finance and Administration at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Garuba Mohammed Duku, for money laundering involving government funds.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho found Duku guilty on six counts filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Evidence presented by the prosecution, including documents and witness testimonies, nailed the former official.
Although the court imposed a total of 24 years imprisonment — four years on each count, Justice Omotosho ruled that the sentences would run concurrently, reducing the effective jail term to four years starting October 3, 2025.
However, the judge gave Duku an alternative: pay a ₦1.6 billion fine to the Federal Government instead of serving time in prison.
Duku, who once served under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), was convicted for unlawfully taking possession of ₦318 million belonging to his employer, in breach of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Justice Omotosho ordered that, unless the fine is paid, the convict will serve his term at Kuje Prison, Abuja.
