ICPC Investigates Federal Polytechnic Offa Rector Over Alleged N1.8Million Extortion Using ICPC’s Name

 

 

 

ICPC Investigates Federal Polytechnic Offa Rector Over Alleged N1.8Million Extortion Using ICPC’s Name

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched an investigation into the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, Mr. Kamoru Oluwatoyin Kadiri, over allegations that he used the anti-corruption agency’s name and purported influence to extort money from a lecturer at the institution, SaharaReporters has learnt.

 

Sources familiar with the case told SaharaReporters on Tuesday that the investigation followed a petition submitted by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic Offa Chapter, accusing the Rector of orchestrating an extortion scheme by falsely portraying payments as necessary to influence an ICPC investigation.

 

The petition, dated May 11, 2026, alleged offences including extortion through the abuse of official position, obtaining money by false pretence, abuse of public office, impersonation or misrepresentation of ICPC authority, participation in a corrupt inducement scheme, and possible criminal conspiracy.

“It is our instruction that the above conduct discloses: Extortion under color of office; obtaining by false pretence; abuse of public office; impersonation/misrepresentation of ICPC authority; corrupt inducement scheme; and possible criminal conspiracy,” the petition stated.

 

The petition further warned: “Particularly concerning is the use of the name and perceived authority of the ICPC as a tool for private financial gain, which directly undermines the integrity and institutional credibility of your Commission.”

 

Documents obtained by SaharaReporters further show that the Commission has already swung into action.

 

An official ICPC invitation letter, referenced ICPC/SSD/T.B/04/2026, directed the Rector to appear before investigators at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on July 2, 2026.

 

The letter stated: “The Commission is investigating an alleged violation of the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and it has become imperative to obtain necessary information from you.”

 

The Commission further directed the Rector to appear at its headquarters at 10:00 a.m. on July 2, 2026, while informing him of his right to attend with a lawyer or any person of his choice.

 

Sources familiar with the investigation told SaharaReporters that the Rector honoured the invitation, made a statement before investigators and was later released on administrative bail pending the conclusion of investigations.

 

According to the sources, several other persons linked to the alleged transactions have also been invited by the Commission.

 

The petition said the controversy originated in April 2023 after a lecturer in the Department of Marketing, named Mr. M.O. Sanusi, was invited by the ICPC over allegations involving a project student.

 

The petition noted that the investigation “ultimately did not result in indictment.”

 

In a letter dated March 19, 2024 addressed to the Rector, titled “Outcome of Investigation of “Petition against Mr. Sanusi M.O”, ICPC stated: “Mr. Mutiu Opeyemi Sanusi a Chief Lecturer in your institution, was under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for corruptly demanding for bribes from HND students under his supervision. The investigation established the violation of Section 10 (corrupt demand by person) and Section 19 (using office position for gratification) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

 

“The offences committed are liable to prosecution and punishable with 7 years’ imprisonment. However, after due consideration of the circumstances surrounding the case, the Commission took a pragmatic decision to refer the culprit, Mr. Mutiu Opeyemi Sanusi to the Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa for disciplinary action as befits the misconduct committed.

 

“The above recommendation is hereby forwarded for immediate implementation and a feedback/report of action carried out should be rendered promptly to the Commission, please.”

The letter was signed by Demola Bakare, Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Osun State for the Honorable Chairman.

However, ASUP alleged that the Rector exploited the situation.

According to the petition, the Rector allegedly exploited the situation by claiming to possess influence within the ICPC and presenting himself as an intermediary capable of resolving the matter.

The union alleged that, acting through intermediaries, including senior management officials, the Rector demanded and collected ₦1.8 million from the affected lecturer and later made additional financial demands, including an alleged request for a further ₦5 million.

The petition maintained that none of the payments formed part of any official ICPC process and were not receipted through any institutional procedure.

“It is our instruction that the above conduct discloses extortion under colour of office, obtaining by false pretence, abuse of public office, impersonation or misrepresentation of ICPC authority, corrupt inducement scheme and possible criminal conspiracy,” the petition stated.

 

The union further urged the Commission to investigate everyone connected with the alleged scheme, determine whether any ICPC officer was directly or indirectly involved, prosecute any culpable persons and protect the integrity of the Commission from misuse.

 

Attached to the petition is a signed written statement by the Dean of the School of Business and Management Studies, Salman A.Y., detailing how the money was allegedly sourced and delivered.

 

The statement explained that following the lecturer’s invitation by the ICPC, the institution’s management allegedly resolved to pursue what it described as an “amicable settlement.”

 

According to the statement: “Redeeming the situation amicably involves a financial cost. At the meeting, we were briefed that a sum of two million naira has so far been expended by the management which has to be paid back by the affected staff.”

 

The Dean stated that after ASUP reportedly declined a request to provide financial assistance, the lecturer obtained a ₦1 million loan from an Islamic cooperative society.

 

According to him: “₦1,000,000.00 was borrowed from the Islamic cooperative and additional ₦200,000 was added by Mr. Sanusi M.O making a total sum of ₦1,200,000 as his contribution.”

 

The statement added that contributions from other lecturers and the School of Business and Management Studies increased the amount to ₦1.6 million.

 

The Dean then provided a detailed account of how the money was allegedly delivered.

 

According to the statement: “The sum of ₦1,000,000 was borrowed from Islamic cooperative by Mr Sanusi was changed to Dollar… handed over to the management through school Lawyer, Barrister Faremi in the presence of Deputy Rector Admin in his office for onward delivery to the Rector Dr. Kamoru Kadiri Oluwatoyin.”

 

He further alleged that after the initial payment, another demand followed.

 

The statement reads: “Following the release of ₦1,000,000 ($1,000) through Barrister Faremi to the Rector, the Deputy Rector Academic Dr. Mrs. M.B Aliyu also called requesting for a sum of ₦250,000… The amount was immediately transferred and she acknowledged the transaction.”

 

The Dean further alleged that after contributors raised the outstanding balance, the money was ultimately transferred to the Rector’s personal account.

“Following the interaction with the Rector, principal officers and Olofa representatives, we quickly transfer the balance of ₦350,000… to the Rector through Dr. Mrs. M.B Aliyu, Deputy Rector Academics… She immediately acknowledged the receipt and also forwarded the transfer evidence to me of the amount sent to the Rector’s personal account,” the statement said.

 

Information available to our correspondent indicates that the Commission acknowledged receipt of the petition and assigned the matter to one of its investigative units.

 

Sources within the anti-corruption agency said the Commission considered allegations involving the misuse of its name particularly serious because they have the potential to undermine public confidence in the institution.

According to the sources, investigators are examining the documentary evidence, written statements, payment records and other materials submitted by the petitioners to establish whether criminal offences were committed.

However, in the petition, ASUP urged the ICPC to launch a comprehensive criminal investigation into the allegations.

Specifically, the union requested the Commission to: commence a full investigation into the allegations; invite and interrogate everyone connected with the alleged extortion scheme; determine whether any ICPC officer was directly or indirectly involved; prosecute all culpable persons where a prima facie case is established; and protect the integrity of the Commission from misuse.

The petition concluded: “It is our instruction that this allegation is particularly grave as it not only involves corruption but also the instrumentalization of an anti-corruption agency’s name to facilitate extortion. It is therefore imperative that the Commission intervenes decisively.”

Efforts to reach the ICPC spokesperson, John Okor Odey, for comment on the status of the investigation were unsuccessful, as he had not responded to calls as at the time of filing this report.