By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a bench warrant for the arrest of Jubrin Buba, a staff member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), after he failed to appear in court for arraignment.
A statement signed and made available to newsmen by the commission’s spokesman states that; the case of Federal Republic of Nigeria vs Jubrin Buba came up on Wednesday for arraignment de novo.
However, the defendant was not in court neither was his lawyer nor his surety, despite being duly notified.
In view of Buba’s absence, counsel to ICPC, Mr. Aniekan Ekong, urged the Court to issue a bench warrant for his arrest and that notice should also be issued to the surety to show cause as to why the bail bond should not be forfeited to the federal government.
The presiding judge, Honourable Justice Binta Dogonyaro, granted the application and adjourned the matter to 4th March 2025 for arraignment and hearing.
ICPC is arraigning Buba on a six-count charge of forgery and false statement.
According to the ICPC, Buba, sometime in February 2015, fraudulently presented a fake BSc. Degree Certificate in Public Administration dated 7th October 2009 purportedly issued by the University of Jos, to secure a job with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Using a forged document as genuine, is an offence under Section 366, and punishable under section 364, of the Penal Code.
He was formerly arraigned in 2022 before Hon. Justice Asma’u Akanbi (as then was), at the FCT High Court, Kubwa.
Following the elevation of Justice Akanbi to the Court of Appeal, the matter was re-assigned to FCT High Court 46, Apo presided over by Honourable Justice Binta Dogonyaro.
In count one and two, Buba is being charged with making a false statement to a public officer contrary to section 25 (1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
While in count three to four, he is being charged with forgery contrary to section 364 of the Penal Code.
