ICPC secures 7-year jail term for NSCDC officer over fraudulent promotion

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, Hassan Abdullahi, has been sentenced to a total of seven years in prison for certificate forgery and corrupt self-enrichment, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) announced on Monday.

Delivering the judgement at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Gudu, Honourable Justice E. Okpe found Abdullahi guilty on a two-count charge brought by the Commission.

According to ICPC, Abdullahi, a Superintendent with the NSCDC, submitted a forged Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu, Kebbi State, in December 2010 to secure career advancement.

This act violated Section 366 of the Penal Code Act and attracted a two-year jail term or a ₦2 million fine.

On the second count, the court found that Abdullahi used his public office between December 2011 and October 2022 to confer corrupt advantage on himself by receiving salaries and benefits due to the rank of Senior Inspector, based on the forged certificate.

He was sentenced to five years imprisonment without an option of fine.

In addition, the court ordered the convict to refund all salaries, benefits, and emoluments received during the period of fraudulent promotion, in line with Section 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

ICPC described the ruling as a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s commitment to combating corruption in the public service, emphasizing the need for strict verification processes in public institutions to prevent abuse of office.

The Commission stated it remains dedicated to investigating and prosecuting all forms of corruption, particularly those undermining professionalism, integrity, and public trust.