Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) apprehended approximately five high-ranking officials from the Department of Farm Inputs Supports Services within the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The arrests were made in connection to the alleged misappropriation of funds.

Reportedly conducted around 9 am on Thursday, the ICPC‘s sting operation spanned about an hour and took place within the officials’ office located at the 5th Floor of the Bank of Agriculture Building in the Central Business District of Garki, Abuja.

Subsequent to their apprehension, four of the officials were held in ICPC custody for five days before ultimately being released, with the director reportedly being granted release due to health reasons.

This incident has reportedly caused a sense of unease among the Department of Farm Inputs Supports Services staff as well as other entities under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

According to insider sources, the investigation revolves around funds that were intended for monitoring exercises and sensitization programs, which were allegedly diverted.

This diversion purportedly hindered the effective monitoring and evaluation of farm inputs.

Shockingly, significant sums of money were discovered during the investigation, including over N200 million in the bank account of one of the officials under scrutiny, and more than N100 million in the bank account of one of the official’s children.

Furthermore, an approximate sum of N250 million in cash was reportedly found within the Abuja residence of one of the suspects.

ALSO READ: Nigeria’s oil production dips to 1.29mbpd as global prices rise

ICPC investigators have also reportedly identified substantial financial activity, with over N60 million entering one suspect’s bank account over a six-month period.

As part of the ongoing investigation, ICPC has also seized landed properties, including a bakery and a herbal hospital.

ICPC’s spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, declined to provide detailed updates on the case, emphasizing the commission’s policy of avoiding media trials.

She stated that any significant developments will be disclosed when the case reaches the courts and becomes a matter of public record.