Whistle-blower Petitions ICPC Over Alleged Abuse of Office by State House Archives Official

A whistle-blower has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of abuse of office, financial misconduct and intimidation involving an official attached to the State House Archives in Abuja.

In the petition addressed to the chairman of the commission, Akin Oyegoke, the petitioner accused a civil servant seconded from the National Archives of Nigeria to the State House Archives of engaging in actions that allegedly violate public service regulations.

According to the document, the official’s conduct is also the subject of an ongoing criminal case before a magistrate court in the Federal Capital Territory.

Documents obtained by journalists indicate that the police have filed charges against the official over an alleged fraudulent transaction involving a vehicle.

The complainant alleged that the civil servant collected N2 million from him under the pretext of using her official connections to facilitate the purchase of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) from the Nigeria Customs Service. He claimed that the vehicle was never delivered and the money was not refunded.

The dispute reportedly escalated after he demanded a refund, with the petitioner accusing the official of threats, intimidation and attempts to discredit him.

According to the petition, the official allegedly contacted members of the complainant’s family and circulated claims that the dispute arose from a failed romantic relationship. The complainant denied the allegation, describing it as a deliberate attempt to derail the case.

The petition also raised separate concerns over the alleged attempted private sale of historical artefacts.The whistle-blower accused the official of attempting to sell historical medals, including a British colonial-era Africa General Service Medal dating back to the early 20th century. The items were allegedly presented to a private individual for valuation and possible sale.

If verified, the allegation could raise questions over the unauthorised handling of national heritage materials and possible abuse of office within the Presidency.

The petition further claimed that the issue was reported to the office of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, where both parties were initially invited for questioning.

According to the complainant, the civil servant was directed to return the medals to the appropriate authorities. However, he alleged that the process was later halted without explanation, raising concerns about possible interference.

The petition also questioned the official’s continued posting at the State House, noting that she has reportedly remained on secondment from the National Archives for more than a decade — a situation the petitioner argued may contravene public service regulations and weaken institutional oversight.

The whistle-blower urged the ICPC to launch a comprehensive investigation into the matter, including examining financial records, probing alleged abuse of office and reviewing the handling of public assets.

He argued that the case extends beyond a personal dispute, citing the ongoing criminal prosecution, allegations of intimidation and concerns over administrative processes within the Presidency.

According to the petition, the case represents a significant test of accountability within sensitive government institutions.

With the court proceedings ongoing and the petition now before the anti-corruption agency, attention has shifted to whether the allegations will be thoroughly investigated and due process upheld.

The petitioner called on the ICPC to act swiftly in order to reinforce transparency, accountability and the rule of law within Nigeria’s public service.