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, over an employment fraud involving false promises of recruitment into the paramilitary agency.
The conviction followed a plea bargain agreement between the prosecution and the defence, which was upheld by Justice A.A. Bawale of Katsina State High Court No. 3.
Delivering judgment, Justice Bawale found Lawal guilty and sentenced him to pay a fine of ₦100,000 after adopting the terms of the plea bargain as the judgment of the court.
According to the ICPC, its counsel, Haruna Hedima, told the court that the convict, sometime in 2024, fraudulently obtained ₦920,000 from two victims under the false pretext of securing employment for them in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Although Lawal was initially arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on employment fraud, the court entered conviction on two counts in line with the plea bargain agreement reached by both parties.
The offences contravene Section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and are punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the Act.
The anti-corruption agency said the conviction underscores its determination to combat corruption in all its forms, particularly fraudulent recruitment schemes that prey on unsuspecting job seekers.
The Commission reiterated its warning to Nigerians against paying money or offering any form of gratification to individuals claiming they can secure employment in government ministries, departments and agencies, stressing that recruitment into the public service follows established procedures and not unofficial payments.
ICPC further pledged to sustain the investigation and prosecution of individuals involved in corrupt practices and urged members of the public to report cases of recruitment fraud and other forms of corruption through its official reporting channels.
