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Diversion of public funds

Aug 2, 2025

FRN vs Clement Onubuogo Illoh (Former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour)

Humans

Clement Onubuogo Illoh

Money bag

N14,176,000.00
Amount allegedly diverted

Money bag

Case Summary
The accused allegedly used his office and converted to personal use the said sum given to Federal Ministry of Labour by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The accused, who was responsible for supervising numerous programmes such as the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), diverted the money by awarding fictitious contracts to himself, using his personal company and friends.

Calendar

717
Day(s) case tried in court

Gavel

Case Update
The trial Judge held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The Judge further held that “the Defendant's action is in gross violation of the financial regulation and it shows that the Defendant failed to abide by the laid down procedures.” Consequently, the Judge convicted the Defendant on counts one and two and sentenced him to five years imprisonment on both counts without an option of fine. The Judge, however, discharged the convict on count three "due to the fact that the convict did not conceal stolen funds." The convict was also ordered by the Judge to make restitution of the sum of N3.5 million he withdrew in cash and that the sum of N3.5 million recovered from him by the EFCC during investigation be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.

Court house

Hon. Justice O. A. Taiwo
State High Court, Ikeja, Lagos

Legislation

ACJA/ACJL Compliance - violated

Case Information
Clement Onubuogo Illoh
Presiding Judge & Designated Court
Hon. Justice O. A. Taiwo, State High Court, Ikeja, Lagos
Nature and Number of Charges
3-count charge bordering on stealing.
Date of 1st Arraignment
Oct 16, 2017
Summary of Case
The accused allegedly used his office and converted to personal use the said sum given to Federal Ministry of Labour by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The accused, who was responsible for supervising numerous programmes such as the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), diverted the money by awarding fictitious contracts to himself, using his personal company and friends.
Defendant(s) and Plea entered on Arraignment
1. Clement Onubuogo Illoh (Former Perm. Sec., Federal Ministry of Labour) – Not guilty
Defence Counsel(s)
1. Bolaji Ayorinde (Senior Advocate of Nigeria)
Prosecuting Agency
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
Prosecutor(s)
1. Rotimi Oyedepo (Senior Advocate of Nigeria)
Status of Case
Decided
Decision
Convicted
Length of Trial
717 day(s)
ACJA/ACJL Compliance
Violated
Court Decision
The trial Judge held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The Judge further held that “the Defendant's action is in gross violation of the financial regulation and it shows that the Defendant failed to abide by the laid down procedures.” Consequently, the Judge convicted the Defendant on counts one and two and sentenced him to five years imprisonment on both counts without an option of fine. The Judge, however, discharged the convict on count three "due to the fact that the convict did not conceal stolen funds." The convict was also ordered by the Judge to make restitution of the sum of N3.5 million he withdrew in cash and that the sum of N3.5 million recovered from him by the EFCC during investigation be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.