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), Mr. Idris Barde, over offences related to job racketeering.
Mr. Barde, who previously served as Personal Assistant to former NSCDC Commandant General, Mr. Abdullahi Gana, was convicted by Justice Ngozika Nwabulu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kurudu, following his prosecution on a two-count charge filed by the ICPC.
According to an official signed statement by the Head, Media and Public Communications of the ICPC, Mr. J. Okor Odey, the charges stemmed from the defendant’s receipt of N4,550,000 from Mr. Igbo Christian Okechukwu under the guise of securing employment opportunities in the NSCDC for seven individuals.
The Commission stated that one of the charges accused Mr. Barde of accepting the money while serving as a public officer attached to the office of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, as an inducement to facilitate recruitment into the Corps, an act contrary to Section 18(d) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
During the trial, the prosecution presented documentary and testimonial evidence which the court found sufficient to establish the defendant’s culpability.
After reviewing the evidence, Justice Nwabulu found Mr. Barde guilty as charged and sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment with an option of a N4 million fine.
Reacting to the judgment, the ICPC described the conviction as a further demonstration of its resolve to ensure accountability among public officers and combat corruption in all forms.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria’s public service, while urging both public officials and citizens to uphold ethical standards and comply with the law.
It also assured Nigerians that it would continue to deploy all lawful measures to prevent, investigate, and prosecute acts of corruption across the country.
