The Supreme Court of Nigeria has upheld the conviction of three officials of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) in a ₦68 million fraud case prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The ruling, delivered in Appeal No. SC/CR/592/2020, brings to an end a protracted legal battle that lasted over a decade.

Convictions Upheld Across All Courts

In a unanimous judgment, the apex court affirmed earlier decisions of the High Court of Ogun State and the Court of Appeal Ibadan Division, dismissing the appeal for lacking merit.

The case involved Yusuf Temilade, Adeyemi Alaba Samuel, and Amuludun Tosin—all members of NASU’s executive committee at Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State.

The trio served as Chairman, Secretary, and Acting Treasurer respectively and were entrusted with managing union funds.

How the Fraud Occurred

Investigations by the ICPC revealed that in 2011, the union secured a loan of about ₦68 million from a commercial bank for disbursement to over 100 staff members.

However, the defendants were found to have abused their positions by diverting funds, exceeding approved limits, and making payments to individuals who were not staff of the institution.

They were subsequently charged with conspiracy and abuse of office under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Trial and Appeals

The defendants were arraigned before the High Court sitting in Abeokuta on a seven-count charge. On June 13, 2017, the trial court convicted them on multiple counts and sentenced them to five years imprisonment, with sentences running concurrently.

Their appeal to the Court of Appeal was dismissed in December 2019, prompting a further appeal to the Supreme Court.

After hearing arguments on January 22, 2026, the apex court, in a judgment delivered on April 17, 2026, affirmed the convictions and dismissed the appeal.

Landmark Legal Clarification

In its decision, the Supreme Court clarified the definition of “public officer” under the ICPC Act, ruling that individuals cannot evade accountability by operating under union or cooperative platforms.

The court warned that allowing such a defence would enable public officers to exploit alternative structures to divert funds meant for collective benefit.

ICPC Reacts

The ICPC described the judgment as a major boost for anti-corruption enforcement.

“This pronouncement significantly strengthens the Commission’s oversight over funds managed by unions, cooperatives, and similar bodies linked to public institutions.

“It removes any ambiguity regarding the liability of union executives who are public officers and affirms the ICPC’s authority to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices involving such entities.”

The Commission added that the ruling serves as a strong deterrent against abuse of entrusted positions.

End of Long-Running Case

With the Supreme Court’s decision, all legal proceedings in the case have been conclusively resolved after about 11 years of litigation.

The ICPC also commended its prosecution team, led by Enosa Omoghibo, for securing the conviction and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.