The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission has secured the conviction of a former Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Mr John Ayoade Shamonda, after being found guilty of using part of the money meant for the Federal Government project to fund sallah welfare package.

A statement from the spokesperson for the ICPC, Rasheedat Okoduwa, said Shamonda was arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court 14 sitting in Apo, Abuja, on 10 counts bordering on knowingly making false statement and virement without approval.

The statement added that the offences were contrary to and punishable under sections 16; 17(1)(c) and 22(5) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

It stated, “During the trial, the prosecution presented seven witnesses while 26 documents were admitted as exhibits. The court was also told that Shamonda, while being the DG of NIHSA, had written to the then Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, requesting N603m for the rehabilitation and replacement of damaged hydrological equipment across the country following the devastating incident of flooding in 2012.

“Furthermore, the court was informed that the former DG in disbursing the money did not follow the ‘procurement plan’ for which the money was released. Instead, Shamonda approved that N2, 767, 500.00 be used for “Sallah welfare package” which was paid to all the members of staff of the agency. Also, he spent N25, 749, 390.60 on a national stakeholders’ workshop.”

The ICPC said the convict also purchased two Toyota Prado jeeps and two Hiace buses totalling the sum of N49.15m from the sum.

It added, “In his judgment, Justice Ademola found the accused guilty and convicted him on counts five, seven, eight, nine and 10 to one year imprisonment or an option of fine of N50, 000 on each count which sentences are to run concurrently, while he was discharged and acquitted on counts one, two, three, four and six.”

_______________________________________________________________________ Groundbreaking Guide For Lawyers: Adigwe Publishes ‘Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers’ With Free Research eBook The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion. Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating: "....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic." How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626 Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. ______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ________________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

_______________________________________________________________________