By Micah Jonah
February 17, 2026
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arraigned a Director in the Federal Ministry of Works, Blessing Lere-Adams, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged money laundering and corruption.
Lere-Adams was docked on Monday on a six-count charge bordering on offences under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; the Penal Code (Northern Nigeria) Federal Provisions Act; and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. The case is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/551/2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commission’s spokesperson, John Odey, the alleged offences were said to have been committed between August 2022 and January 2024 in Abuja.
The prosecution, led by Onwuka Ngozi, alleged that the defendant received various sums of money from a subordinate, Henry David, which she knew or reasonably ought to have known were proceeds of corruption.
The Commission further alleged that part of the funds was transferred to her husband, Olujimi Lere-Adams, as well as to a Fidelity Bank account belonging to her son, Jafe Lere-Adams.
One of the counts
Zalleged that the defendant, on or about August 18, 2022, directly took possession of and retained the sum of ₦2,000,000 transferred into her First Bank account by her subordinate, funds which investigators claim formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act.
She pleaded not guilty to all charges. Her counsel, Nduka, applied for bail on liberal terms.
Justice M. Liman granted her bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like sum. The surety is required to reside within the court’s jurisdiction, provide a verifiable address, submit two passport photographs for verification by the National Identity Management Commission, and present a sworn affidavit alongside three years’ tax clearance certificates.
The matter was adjourned till April 20, 2026, for hearing.
The anti-graft agency stated that the arraignment demonstrates its continued resolve to enforce accountability and transparency within the public service.
