The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Mrs. Rose Deffi, a former employee of the National Examination Council (NECO), on allegations of certificate forgery.
Originally scheduled for May 30, 2024, the trial was delayed due to Mrs. Deffi’s absence. Honourable Justice G.D. Fwomyon of the Plateau State High Court ordered that she be served the charge sheet through substituted means and be produced in court by her lawyer at the next hearing.
On Friday, Mrs. Deffi appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to all seven counts of forgery. ICPC counsel Mr. O.G. Iwuagwu requested another date for the trial’s commencement. The defense counsel, Mr. P.M. Lere, did not oppose this request but sought bail for his client.
Mr. Iwuagwu did not oppose the bail application but requested conditions to ensure Mrs. Deffi’s availability for trial. Justice Fwomyon granted bail at N2 million with two sureties of the same amount and adjourned the case till September 26, 2024.
In 2020, a nationwide NECO certificate verification exercise led to 89 staff members being indicted for using fake certificates. The Council’s Governing Board approved their dismissals and referred the cases to the ICPC and Nigerian Police for prosecution.
