ICPC Secure Conviction of NSCDC Deputy Commandant Over Employment Fraud
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sani Lawal, for employment fraud.
Lawal was convicted by Justice A.A. Bawale of Katsina State High Court No. 3 following a plea bargain agreement reached between the prosecution and the defence.
Delivering judgment, the court found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to pay a fine of N100,000.
During the proceedings, ICPC counsel, Haruna Hedima, told the court that Lawal had, in 2024, allegedly obtained N920,000 from two complainants under the false pretence of securing employment for them in the NSCDC.
The defendant was initially arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on employment fraud. However, following the plea bargain agreement, he pleaded guilty to two counts, which were subsequently adopted by the court.
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The offences contravene Section 25(1)(a) and are punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Justice Bawale subsequently adopted the terms of the plea bargain as the judgment of the court and convicted and sentenced Lawal accordingly.
The ICPC said the conviction reinforces its commitment to tackling corruption, including fraudulent recruitment schemes through which unsuspecting members of the public are allegedly defrauded.
The Commission warned Nigerians against individuals who demand money or other forms of gratification in exchange for promises of government employment.
It stressed that recruitment into public service is conducted through established procedures and should not require unofficial payments to individuals claiming to have access to employment opportunities.
The anti-corruption agency urged members of the public to report suspected cases of employment fraud and other corrupt practices through its established reporting channels.
The ICPC said it would continue to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in corrupt practices, regardless of their position or status.
By PRNigeria
