Court orders arrest of former NILDS DG

Federal High Court sitting in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja has ordered the arrest of Professor Ladi Hamalai, the former Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

The arrest order was based on her failure to present herself in the corruption case charged against her by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The Court presided over by Justice C. O. Oba issued the bench warrant on Monday, April 22, 2024 for the arrest of the Professor Hamalai following alleged repeated failure to show up for her trial.

The ICPC Counsel had informed the court that it is the fourth consecutive time that the former NILDS Director-General failed to honour the invitation of the Commission to appear in the case having been properly served.

In the suit charge number: FCT/HC/CR/312/23, the ICPC is accusing Professor Hamalai of using her office to confer corrupt advantage upon herself by making a request for the sum of N12 million to rent a guest house for her office but used the amount to purchase a property for herself at Gwarimpa area of Abuja.

The Commission, in a four-count charge also accused the former DG of requesting for another sum of N29 million for the furnishing of the building as Government Guest House.

ICPC Prosecutor, Michael Adesola told the court that the former DG was served the arraignment notice but was surprised she was not in court.

Olayemi Afolayan, on her part, who is Counsel to Professor Hamalai informed the court that her client was sick, that is the reason for the absence.

However, Justice Oba ruled that having failed to become visible in court, the ICPC should carry out the arrest of the former DG and bring her in court at the next adjourned date.

The case was adjourned till 9th of September, 2024.