ICPC Secures Conviction of Edo Civil Servant for Receiving Double Salaries

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced the conviction of Ewere Morgan Eseosa, a civil servant in Edo State, for illegally drawing double salaries from two government institutions. Eseosa was found guilty of collecting payments from both the University of Benin and the Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council, a clear violation of anti-corruption regulations.

According to a statement from the ICPC, investigations revealed that Eseosa unlawfully received a total of N1,328,255.47 in salaries over a period of time. The Commission described the act as fraudulent and contrary to the principles of transparency and accountability expected of public servants.

Following the conclusion of its investigation, the ICPC, through its prosecutor, Dennis Nnaemeka Okoro, charged Eseosa before the Edo State High Court. Initially facing a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretense and cheating under Sections 419 and 421 of the Criminal Code Act 2004, the charges were later amended to one count after the defendant opted for a plea bargain.

Justice Williams Aziegbemhin, in delivering judgment, sentenced Eseosa to one year in prison or a fine of N150,000. In addition to the sentence, the court ordered Eseosa to refund the entire sum of N1,328,255.47 to the Federal Government through the ICPC Recovery Account, bringing a legal end to the case.