The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arraigned a former Deputy Director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Christiana Goka, for allegedly misappropriating public funds amounting to N5,398,656.
Goka, who previously headed the Department of Research Monitoring Information System at the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, appeared before Justice J.A. Aina of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kwali, Abuja. She was charged with five counts related to misappropriation of funds and providing false statements.
According to ICPC spokesperson Ademola Bakare, Goka allegedly diverted N5,164,656 from funds meant for a ministry management retreat that was supposed to take place in Dutse, Jigawa State, in 2017.
“Her actions violate Section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and are punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the same Act,” Bakare stated.
One of the charges read in court alleged that Goka conferred a corrupt advantage upon herself by misusing the funds designated for the retreat. Another charge accused her of making a false statement to an ICPC investigator regarding N1,000,000, which she claimed had been returned to her in cash by a colleague under instructions from the late Ambassador Abduljalil Suleiman, the then Director General of DTCA.
During the trial on March 27, 2025, the prosecution, led by counsel David Nwaze, presented two witnesses who testified and were cross-examined.
Goka pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court maintained her previous bail conditions, which required her to provide a surety employed in Nigeria at Grade Level 15 or above. The surety must reside in Abuja and present official documents, including an appointment letter, proof of promotion, an identity card, and a passport photograph.
Justice Aina adjourned the case for further proceedings.
