IPPIS accountants admit diverting ex-staff salaries, seek plea bargain

A Federal High Court in Lagos has postponed the conclusion of a case involving two officials accused of diverting N1.17 million in salaries meant for former staff at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta.

The defendants, Shola Onasanya and Halimat Olalere, who work on the IPPIS payroll desk, pleaded guilty to charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). The court said a guilty plea alone was not enough to secure a conviction without supporting evidence from the prosecution.

Justice Ibrahim Kala cited legal provisions that require proof beyond a plea, even in cases involving plea bargains. The court scheduled a review of the facts for September 18 before any judgment can be entered.

According to court filings, the salaries of exited workers continued to be paid into accounts controlled by the defendants. The ICPC alleged that Onasanya directed Olalere to transfer the funds into his account after they were paid into hers.