Prof. Ladi Hamalai
A Federal High Court in Apo, Abuja, has issued an arrest warrant for Professor Ladi Hamalai, former Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies. This decision stems from Hamalai’s repeated failure to appear in a corruption case brought against her by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Presiding Justice C. O. Oba issued the bench warrant on Monday, April 22, 2024, following Hamalai’s repeated absences in court.
ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare announced the development in a statement on Thursday, noting that ICPC legal counsel Michael Adesola informed the court that Hamalai failed to respond to four consecutive invitations to appear in the case, despite being properly served.
The ICPC accuses Hamalai of abusing her office by requesting N12 million to rent a guest house for her office but instead purchasing a property for herself in the Gwarinpa area of Abuja. She is also accused of requesting an additional N29 million to furnish the building as a government guest house.
Adesola added that Hamalai was served the arraignment notice but did not appear in court.
Hamalai’s attorney, Olayemi Afolayan, informed the court that her client was absent due to illness.
Justice Oba ruled that due to Hamalai’s absence, the ICPC should proceed with her arrest and present her in court at the next scheduled date.
The case is adjourned until September 19, 2024.
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