Ex-lawmaker Onadeko appeals lone conviction in ICPC case

Former Nigerian lawmaker Onamusi Onadeko is challenging his conviction on a single count of making inconsistent statements during an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). This appeal follows a judgment by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, which acquitted him on 10 other charges related to alleged corruption and diversion of public funds.

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Our legal team is currently studying the full judgment and the ratio decidendi on the conviction. Consequently, we have received instructions to immediately file an appeal against the conviction on the count of making inconsistent statements.

Justice Chizoba Oji delivered the verdict on July 30, finding Onadeko guilty only on the charge of making inconsistent statements. He was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, with an option to pay a fine of N50,000. Onadeko's legal team has formally filed an appeal against this lone conviction, stating they are reviewing the full judgment.

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After eight years of trial, the court discharged and acquitted Hon Onamusi Onadeko on a 10-count charge out of 11 counts of corruption and diversion of public funds brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since 2018.

The trial, which concluded after eight years, was instituted by the ICPC in 2018. The court's decision to acquit Onadeko on the majority of charges was based on the prosecution's failure to establish the allegations of corruption and diversion of funds. The defense argued that contracts in question were awarded in compliance with the Public Procurement Act, citing evidence from prosecution witnesses.

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In delivering judgment, the court relied heavily on the evidence of PW1, PW2, PW3 and PW4. All the prosecution witnesses testified that the contracts in question were awarded in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act.

However, the court convicted him on the 11th count, concerning his statements during the ICPC investigation. Onadeko's counsel, Wahab Olatoye, urged the public and media to report the outcome accurately and respect the due process as the appeal proceeds.

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However, he said the court convicted him on the 11th count, which related to making inconsistent statements during the ICPC investigation, with an option of a N50,000 fine.