ICPC secures conviction of retired public servant for age falsification, fraudulent salary claims

ICPC secures conviction of retired public servant for age falsification, fraudulent salary claims

Benedicta Aboh

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a former Deputy Director at the Kwara State Directorate of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Dare Adebowale Oladapo, for falsifying his age to illegally extend his service years and fraudulently receive salaries and allowances after his due date of retirement.

Justice Ibrahim Yusuf of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin, delivered the judgment on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, under Charge No. KWS/64C/2022, following a petition submitted to the Commission by Ilorin-based legal practitioner, F.F. Ikebundu of Ayo Ajomole & Co.

Investigations conducted by the ICPC revealed that Mr. Oladapo altered his date of birth with the National Population Commission, thereby extending his service period unlawfully and gaining undue financial advantage. Prosecuting counsel, Messrs. Kalu Ugbo and Zainab Moshood, told the court that the convict fraudulently received salaries and allowances amounting to ₦1,233,258.95 between December 2019 and April 2020, when he ought to have retired from the public service.

Count One of the charge accused the defendant of orchestrating the alteration of his date of birth, contrary to Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. Count Two also bordered on making a false statement on oath in an affidavit dated February 15, 2012, in which he maintained the falsified date of birth of November 11, 1964, instead of November 11, 1959, with which he manipulated his service records.

Count Three alleged that the defendant used his office to confer unfair advantage upon himself by receiving unearned salaries and allowances during the period he overstayed in office, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

After reviewing the evidence, Justice Yusuf found Mr. Oladapo guilty on Counts One and Two but discharged and acquitted him on Count Three. He was consequently sentenced to two years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦100,000 fine on each count.

Additionally, the court ordered the refund of ₦1,233,258.95 to the Federal Government, representing the salary and allowances illegally collected during the extended period of service.

Following the conviction, the defendant promptly paid the ₦200,000 fine as well as the full refund into the ICPC Recovery Account.