ICPC drags traditional ruler, brother to court for alleged embezzlement

By Joy Baba

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dragged the traditional ruler of Ipupe Community in Ubalaka Umuahia South Local Government of Abia State, chief Eze Chima Bolo Ubiaru and his brother, Iyke Patrick Ubiaru, a soldier, before an Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia for alleged misappropriation of N40 million belonging to the community.

A statement by the commission’s Media Consultant, Folu Olamiti, said the Federal Government had through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited released N60 million to the Community as compensation for the relocation of shrines in the sacred forest of Okota, Ipupe Community adding that the duo were alleged to have diverted the sum of N40 million out of the N60 million meant for the whole Community into their private use, contrary to and punishable under Sections 19 and 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

The statement further said members of the Ipupe Development Union (IDU) had in a petition forwarded to ICPC said that Eze Ubiaru, a retired Captain in the Nigerian Army acted fraudulently by going to the NIPP alone and deceiving the Community as to how much was paid to the Community.

According to the statement, the petition alleged that Eze Ubiaru also fraudulently lodged the sum of N60 million into his personal account unilaterally and conspired with his brother, the Palace Secretary to change the name of the Community to Ajiukwu account.

This alleged stealing of public funds, according to Counsel to ICPC, Barr Raheem Adeshina is contrary to Section 383(1) and punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The presiding judge, Justice A. U Kalu after listening to the submissions of Counsels for ICPC and the accused persons adjourned the matter till 16th and 17th April, 2014 for hearing.