The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Mrs. Adiobome Blessing Lere-Adams, a Director in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, on charges of money laundering and corruption.
Mrs. Lere-Adams appeared before Justice M.S. Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja on February 16, 2026, under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/551/2025. The charges allege that she illegally received and retained N2 million from her subordinate, Mr. Henry David, between August 2022 and January 2024. The funds were allegedly proceeds of corruption.
Further allegations state that Mrs. Lere-Adams transferred parts of the funds to her spouse, Mr. Olujimi Lere-Adams, and into a Fidelity Bank account belonging to her son, Jafe Joel Lere-Adams, despite knowing the money originated from unlawful activity.
She faces six counts under:
- Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022
- Penal Code (Northern Nigeria) Federal Provisions Act
- Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000
One count reads:
“That you, Blessing Adiobome Lere-Adams (F), on or about August 18, 2022 at Abuja, FCT, directly took possession of and retained N2,000,000.00 transferred to your First Bank account by one Henry David, your subordinate, when you reasonably ought to have known that such fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: corruption.”
Represented by Barrister Nduka, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following a bail application, Justice Liman granted bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like amount. The surety must:
- Reside within the court’s jurisdiction with a verifiable address
- Provide two passport photographs for verification by the National Identity Management Commission
- Submit a sworn affidavit and three years’ tax clearance
The court gave 72 hours for bail conditions to be met, warning that failure to comply would lead to bail revocation.
#ICPC
#Corruption
#MoneyLaundering
#FederalMinistryOfWorks
#NigeriaLaw
