By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, Hassan Abdullahi, for offences involving certificate forgery and corrupt self-enrichment spanning more than a decade.
In a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesperson, Okor J. Odey, the ICPC confirmed that Justice E. Okpe of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Gudu, Abuja, delivered judgment in the case and found the defendant guilty on a two-count charge brought against him by the Commission.
During the trial, ICPC prosecutor Hamza Sani presented evidence showing how Abdullahi forged a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) purportedly issued by Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu, Kebbi State. The forged certificate, submitted to the NSCDC in December 2010, was used to fraudulently obtain career advancement within the Corps.
The court held that the offence contravened Section 366 of the Penal Code Act and is punishable under Section 364. Justice Okpe sentenced the convict to two years’ imprisonment on this count or a fine of ₦2,000,000.
On the second count, the court found that between December 2011 and October 2022, Abdullahi unlawfully benefited from salaries and allowances associated with the rank of Senior Inspector benefits he was not qualified to receive, having advanced his career on the basis of the forged certificate. The act violated Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. For this offence, the court handed him a five-year jail term without an option of fine.
Beyond the custodial sentences, the court invoked Section 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to order Abdullahi to refund all salaries, benefits, and emoluments he received from the time he fraudulently upgraded his career until he ceased receiving payments from the Federal Government.
The ICPC welcomed the judgment, describing it as a strong affirmation of the judiciary’s role in combating corruption in the public service. According to the Commission, acts such as certificate forgery, dishonest self-advancement, and abuse of office undermine professionalism, integrity, and public confidence in government institutions.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to diligent investigation and prosecution of all forms of corruption and urged public institutions to strengthen verification systems to prevent similar abuses from occurring.
