Former ARMTI Director Charged with N48m Contract Fraud
By Chizoba Njaka
A former Director of Finance and Supply at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ibitoye Olajide Moses, has been arraigned before the Kwara State High Court on a 24-count charge bordering on contract fraud and abuse of office. Moses, who served in the institute's Ilorin, Kwara State office, pleaded not guilty to allegations of conferring unfair advantage, acquisition of private interests in public contracts, misappropriation of funds, and making false statements to investigators.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) brought the charges against him, alleging that he used his position to influence the award of several contracts worth tens of millions of Naira to companies in which he had direct and indirect interests.
According to ICPC, Moses benefited from a N48.52m contract for entrepreneurship training on oil palm production for women in Akwa Ibom State, awarded to Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd, a company he allegedly has a stake in. He is also accused of benefiting from other contracts worth N29.95m, N40m, and N28.85m, among others.
The court granted Moses bail in the sum of N5,000,000 with two sureties resident within the court's jurisdiction. The matter has been adjourned to May 26, 2026, for the commencement of trial.