A Federal High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, has ordered the arrest of Ladi Hamalai, the former Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILS), for failing to appear in a corruption case brought against her by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
ChaannelsTV reports that Trial judge Justice Christopher Oba issued the bench warrant on Monday, April 22, 2024, after Professor Hamalai repeatedly failed to appear in court.
The ICPC Counsel, Michael Adesola, informed the court that this is the fourth consecutive time Hamalai failed to honor the Commission’s invitation.
The ICPC accuses Professor Hamalai of using her office to obtain corrupt advantage by requesting the sum of N12 million to rent a guest house for her office but using the amount to purchase a property for herself in the Gwarimpa area of Abuja. Additionally, she is accused of requesting another sum of N29 million for furnishing the building as a government guest house.
Counsel to Professor Hamalai, Olayemi Afolayan, informed the court that her client was sick, explaining her absence.
After considering both sides, Justice Oba ruled that the ICPC should effect the arrest of the former DG and produce her in court at the next adjourned date, which is September 9, 2024.
