ICPC secure conviction of ex-NIPC official for forging academic certificates

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday, January 28, secured the conviction of a former official of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Muhammad Said Musa, for forging his academic certificates.

Justice Mandy Bassi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court delivered the conviction following a one-count amended charge.

The judgment was based on a plea bargain agreement entered into by the defendant.

The court established that Musa fraudulently obtained and presented a falsified Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Political Science from the University of Maiduguri and a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to secure his position at the NIPC.

The fraud was discovered after the ICPC received a request from the NIPC executive secretary for a staff verification audit.

Investigations revealed that the certificates submitted by the defendant were not authentic, which was subsequently validated through independent verification.

ICPC counsel, O. R. Bada, told the court that the actions of the defendant violated section 25(1)(a) of the corrupt practices and other related offences act, 2000.

Bada revealed that Musa was initially arraigned on six counts bordering on forgery and false statements.

However, the charges were reduced to a single count following his application for leniency and willingness to cooperate with investigators, leading to a plea bargain.

The defendant refunded ₦36.5 million, representing salaries and benefits earned through the false representation into the ICPC recovery account.

Defence counsel, C.O.C. Emeka Izima, told the court that his client was remorseful and had fully complied with the terms of the agreement.

In her ruling, Justice Bassi upheld the plea bargain and sentenced the defendant to a non-custodial sentence, ordering him to be of good conduct and to pay a fine of ₦50,000.

The ICPC said the conviction underscores its commitment to promoting integrity and accountability in the public service.