ICPC Arraigns Ex-ARMTI Finance Director Over ₦120m Contract Fraud in Kwara
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Ibitoye Moses, former Director of Finance and Supply at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, Kwara State, on allegations of multi-million naira contract fraud.
According to ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey, Moses was arraigned before Justice H. A. Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court on a 24-count charge bordering on abuse of office, contract fraud, misappropriation of public funds, and making false statements to investigators.
Moses pleaded not guilty to all counts. Following his plea, defence counsel Oluwasheye Adeboye applied for bail, which was not opposed by prosecution counsel David Nwaze. Justice Saleeman granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million, with two sureties resident within the court’s jurisdiction, one of whom must own landed property. The matter was adjourned to 26 May 2026 for commencement of trial.
Investigations by the Commission allege that Moses abused his position by influencing the award of contracts worth tens of millions of naira to companies in which he had vested interests.
A key allegation involves a ₦48.52 million contract for entrepreneurship training on oil palm production for women in Akwa Ibom State, awarded to Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd, where Moses is allegedly a director and shareholder.
Additional contracts valued at ₦29.95 million and ₦40 million were also awarded to the same company.
In another instance, Moses allegedly received an indirect benefit of ₦550,000 from a ₦28.85 million contract awarded to another firm.
He is further accused of misappropriating ₦3 million collected as administrative charges on contracts awarded by ARMTI.
The ICPC also alleges that Moses made false statements to investigators by denying links to the companies, despite documentary evidence suggesting otherwise.
The Commission stated that it will rely on witnesses and documentary exhibits to establish the defendant’s culpability. The trial is scheduled to commence on 26 May 2026.
