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

According to the petition, addressed to the ICPC chairman, Akin Oyegoke, the petitioner, identified Priscilla Dombin, a civil servant seconded from the National Archives of Nigeria to the State House Archives as the key actor in the alleged abuse of office.

The petition raises concerns about her conduct, which is also the subject of an ongoing criminal case before a magistrate court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to documents seen, the police have filed charges against Dombin over an alleged fraudulent transaction involving a vehicle.

The complainant alleged that Dombin collected N2 million under the pretext of using her official connections to secure a sports utility vehicle (SUV) from the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC). The vehicle was reportedly never delivered, and the money was not refunded.

The matter has since escalated, with the complainant accusing the official of threats, intimidation, and attempts to discredit him.

He alleged that after demanding a refund, Dombin contacted members of his family and circulated claims that the dispute stemmed from a failed romantic relationship — an allegation he denied, describing it as an attempt to derail the case.

ALLEGATIONS OVER HISTORICAL ARTEFACTS

In a separate development, the petition also accused Dombin of attempting to privately sell historical medals, including a British colonial-era Africa General Service Medal dating back to the early 20th century.

The whistle-blower alleged that the items were presented to a private individual for valuation and possible sale.

If confirmed, the development could raise concerns over the unauthorised handling of national heritage assets and possible abuse of office within the Presidency.

The petition further claimed that the matter was reported to the office of the head of the civil service of the federation, where initial steps were taken, including inviting the parties for questioning.

According to the petitioner, Dombin was directed to return the medals to the appropriate authorities.

However, the process was allegedly halted without explanation, raising concerns about possible interference and lack of institutional independence.

The petition also questioned Dombin’s continued stay at the State House, noting that she has reportedly been on secondment from the National Archives for over a decade.

This, the petitioner argued, may contravene public service rules and weaken oversight and accountability mechanisms.

ICPC PETITION AND CALL FOR INVESTIGATION

The whistle-blower has called on the ICPC to investigate the matter, including reviewing financial records, examining possible abuse of office, and probing the handling of public assets.

The petition described the case as extending beyond a personal dispute, citing the ongoing criminal prosecution, allegations of intimidation, and concerns over administrative processes within the Presidency.

It added that the case presents a test of accountability within sensitive government institutions.

With the court case ongoing and the ICPC petition filed, attention is now on whether the allegations will be thoroughly investigated and due process followed.

The petitioner urged the anti-corruption agency to take urgent action, stressing the need to uphold transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in the public service.

(Guardian)

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