By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a staff member of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Mr. Elvis Simon Okerenyi, over his involvement in a fraudulent employment scheme.
In a statement issued on Sunday, 29th June 2025, and signed by the Commission’s spokesperson and Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, Demola Bakare, the ICPC disclosed that Okerenyi was convicted by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for defrauding a job seeker, Mr. Titus Tavershima, of the sum of One Million Naira under the pretext of offering him employment in the Federal Civil Service.
Investigations by the Commission revealed that Okerenyi had forged documents and used deception to extort the funds from the unsuspecting job seeker. His actions were found to be in violation of Section 320 and punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, 2006.
In the course of legal proceedings, the defendant opted for a plea bargain arrangement with the prosecution. As a result, the initial seven-count charge was reduced to a single amended charge to which he pleaded guilty. Justice S.C. Oriji, presiding over the matter, subsequently convicted Okerenyi pursuant to Section 270(10) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
The court sentenced the convict to one year imprisonment, with an option of a fine of N200,000. Additionally, the court ordered that he must pay restitution in the amount of N350,000 to Mr. Tavershima, the victim of his fraudulent activity.
The ICPC reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption and fraudulent practices in all sectors of public service, warning that those who exploit desperate citizens through scams or impersonation of public institutions will face the full weight of the law.
