ICPC arraigns Ministry of Labour official for job racketeering

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned an official of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Takat Williams Sabo, over allegations of job racketeering.

Sabo was arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in the Apo area of Abuja under charge number CR/496/2024 on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

He faces a two-count charge for allegedly defrauding a job seeker of N800,000 under the pretence of securing employment in the Federal Civil Service Commission.

According to ICPC counsel Agbili Ezenwa Kingsley, Sabo fraudulently obtained the money from his victim, John Daniel, by falsely promising him a government job.

The charges against him read: “That you, Takat Williams Sabo (M), sometime in June 2021 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while serving as a public officer at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, accepted N800,000 as gratification from John Daniel for recruitment into the Federal Civil Service Commission.

“That you, Takat Williams Sabo (M), in June 2021, used your position to confer corrupt advantage upon yourself by receiving N800,000 from John Daniel through Kyauta Mohammed for recruitment into the Federal Civil Service Commission.”

ICPC arrests NSCDC Deputy Commandant, ex-Chief of Naval Staff for N3bn fraud

These offences, Kingsley said, were contrary to and punishable under Sections 18 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 respectively.

When the charges were read, Sabo pleaded not guilty.

The defence counsel, O. I. Aneneh, filed a bail application, arguing that his client was willing to attend his trial.

The ICPC counsel did not oppose the application but requested strict conditions to ensure the defendant’s court attendance.

The presiding judge, Justice S. M. Mayana, granted the Ministry of Labour official bail in the sum of N20 million, requiring two sureties who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide affidavits proving a legitimate source of livelihood.

Justice Mayana, thereafter, adjourned the case to April 10, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

The Star