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| Professor Ladi Aisha Hamalai, |
The ICPC has accused Professor Hamalai of using her office to confer corrupt advantages upon herself, including requesting N12 million to rent a guest house for her office but using the funds to purchase a personal property in Abuja's Gwarimpa area.
In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Professor Ladi Aisha Hamalai, the former Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). This order was made by Justice C. O. Oba on April 22, following Professor Hamalai's repeated failure to appear in court in a corruption case brought against her by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).
The ICPC has accused Professor Hamalai of using her office to confer corrupt advantages upon herself, including requesting N12 million to rent a guest house for her office but using the funds to purchase a personal property in Abuja's Gwarimpa area. Additionally, she is accused of requesting N29 million for furnishing the building as a government guest house.
Despite being properly served, Professor Hamalai failed to appear in court for the fourth consecutive time. Her counsel, Olayemi Afolayan, claimed she was sick, but Justice Oba ruled that her repeated absences warranted the issuance of a bench warrant. The ICPC is now required to effect her arrest and produce her in court at the next adjourned date, set for September 9.
This development highlights the importance of accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria's fight against corruption. Public officials must be held accountable for their actions, and the courts will not tolerate repeated disregard for the legal process.
