Shock In Abuja! Ex-FCTA Director Slammed With 24-Year Jail Term For Massive Money Laundering Scandal

A former Director of Finance and Administration at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Garuba Mohammed Duku, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for money laundering.

The judgment was delivered on Friday by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, after finding Duku guilty on a six-count charge filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

According to the court, evidence and witness testimonies presented by ICPC showed that Duku illegally took possession of ₦318 million belonging to his employer, the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), where he previously served as Director of Finance and Administration.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted him under Section 18 (2) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

Duku was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on each of the six counts, totaling 24 years, but the terms are to run concurrently, meaning he will effectively serve four years starting from October 3, 2025.

However, the court granted him an option to avoid jail time by paying a ₦1.6 billion fine to the Federal Government. If he chooses imprisonment, he will serve his term at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

The ICPC described the case as part of its broader drive to tackle corruption in public service, stressing that the verdict demonstrates the judiciary’s determination to hold senior government officials accountable for financial crimes.