ICPC petition targets state house archives official over alleged fraud, abuse of office

Fresh allegations of corruption and misconduct have emerged within the Presidency, as a whistle-blower petitions the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate a State House Archives official over claims of fraud, abuse of office, and intimidation.

The petition, addressed to ICPC Chairman, Akin Oyegoke, names Priscilla Dombin, a civil servant seconded from the National Archives of Nigeria, as the central figure in the controversy.

The matter is already before a Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory, where Dombin is facing criminal charges linked to an alleged fraudulent vehicle transaction.

According to documents referenced in the petition, Dombin allegedly collected N2 million from a complainant under the pretext of using her official influence to secure a sports utility vehicle (SUV) from the Nigeria Customs Service. The vehicle was reportedly never delivered, and the money has not been refunded.

The complainant further accused the official of resorting to threats, intimidation, and attempts to damage his reputation after he demanded a refund. He alleged that Dombin contacted members of his family and circulated claims that the dispute stemmed from a failed romantic relationship—an assertion he firmly denied, describing it as a deliberate attempt to discredit him.

Beyond the fraud allegations, the petition also raised concerns about the handling of historical artefacts in government custody. The whistle-blower claimed that Dombin attempted to privately sell historical medals, including a British colonial-era Africa General Service Medal, an act that could amount to the unauthorised disposal of national heritage assets.

The items were reportedly presented to a private individual for valuation and possible sale, raising further questions about accountability within sensitive government institutions.

Questions Over Administrative Handling

The petition revealed that the issue had earlier been reported to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, where preliminary steps, including inviting the parties for questioning, were initiated.

Dombin was reportedly directed to return the medals, but the process was allegedly halted without explanation, fuelling suspicions of possible interference.

Additional concerns were raised over her prolonged secondment at the State House Archives, said to have lasted more than a decade—an arrangement the petitioner argued may contravene public service regulations and weaken institutional oversight.

Pressure Mounts on ICPC

The whistle-blower has now called on the ICPC to launch a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, including scrutiny of financial transactions, abuse of office, and the management of public assets.

Describing the matter as extending beyond a personal dispute, the petition cited the ongoing criminal case, allegations of intimidation, and administrative irregularities as issues that strike at the core of public accountability.

Observers say the case could serve as a critical test of transparency within some of Nigeria’s most sensitive government institutions. With court proceedings underway and the petition formally before the ICPC, attention is now on the agency’s next steps.