By John Dike, Osogbo
A whistle-blower has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate a State House Archives official over allegations of fraud, abuse of office, and intimidation.
The petition, addressed to ICPC Chairman Akin Oyegoke, identified a civil servant seconded from the National Archives of Nigeria, as the central figure in the controversy.
The matter is already before a magistrate court in the Federal Capital Territory, where the accused is facing criminal charges linked to an alleged fraudulent vehicle transaction.
According to documents cited in the petition, the official allegedly collected N2 million from a complainant under the pretext of using her influence to secure a sports utility vehicle (SUV) from the Nigeria Customs Service.
However, the vehicle was never delivered, and the funds were reportedly not refunded.
The complainant further alleged that the official escalated the dispute through threats, intimidation, and attempts to damage his reputation after he demanded a refund.
He claimed she contacted members of his family and circulated claims that the dispute stemmed from a failed romantic relationship an assertion he strongly denied, describing it as a deliberate attempt to discredit his complaint.
Beyond the fraud allegations, the petition raised concerns over the handling of sensitive historical artefacts in government custody.
The whistle-blower alleged that she attempted to privately sell historical medals, including a British colonial-era Africa General Service Medal an act that could amount to the unauthorised disposal of national heritage assets.
The items were reportedly presented to a private individual for valuation and possible sale, raising serious questions about accountability within critical government institutions.
The petition disclosed that the matter had earlier been reported to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, where preliminary steps—including inviting the parties for questioning—were initiated.
This was reportedly directed to return the medals, but the process was abruptly halted without explanation, fuelling suspicions of possible interference.
Additional concerns were raised over her prolonged secondment at the State House Archives, reportedly spanning more than a decade an arrangement the petitioner argued may contravene public service regulations and weaken institutional oversight.
The whistle-blower is now urging the ICPC to launch a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, including scrutiny of financial transactions, abuse of office, and the management of public assets.
Describing the issue as extending beyond a personal dispute, the petition highlighted the ongoing criminal proceedings, alleged intimidation, and administrative irregularities as matters that strike at the core of public accountability.
Observers say the case presents a significant test of transparency within Nigeria’s most sensitive government institutions.
With judicial proceedings underway and the petition formally before the ICPC, attention is now focused on whether the anti-corruption agency will act decisively.
