By Chimezie Godfrey
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-corruption drive as the Supreme Court upheld the conviction of three union officials involved in a ₦68 million fraud case.
The Commission, in a statement signed by its spokesman, John Okor Odey, said the judgment finally puts an end to a legal battle that lasted over a decade.
Odey disclosed that the apex court, in a unanimous decision delivered on April 17, 2026, dismissed the appeal filed by the convicts for lacking merit.
Those affected include Yusuf Temilade, Adeyemi Alaba Samuel and Amuludun Tosin, who were officials of the Non-Academic Staff Union at Tai Solarin College of Education.
According to Odey, the trio abused their positions after the union secured a ₦68 million loan meant for staff members.
“Instead of disbursing the funds as approved, they diverted the money and even paid individuals who were not staff of the institution,” he said.
The ICPC spokesman recalled that the defendants were first convicted in 2017 and sentenced to five years imprisonment.
He added that their appeal at the Court of Appeal was dismissed in 2019 before they approached the Supreme Court.
“The Supreme Court has now affirmed the decisions of the lower courts and dismissed the appeal,” Odey said.
He further revealed that the apex court ruled that public officers cannot escape liability by hiding under union or cooperative structures.
“This judgment sends a strong message that abuse of office will not be tolerated under any guise,” he added.
Odey also praised the Commission’s legal team led by Enosa Omoghibo for securing the victory.