A Nigerian Immigration Service officer, Quadri Ismail Adeyinka, has been sentenced to 7 years in prison for passport fraud. Adeyinka’s conviction and sentencing serve as a stern warning to public officials who engage in corrupt practices, exploiting their positions for personal gain.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) investigated and arraigned Adeyinka before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja, on four counts bordering on gratification, conferment of corrupt advantage, and cheating.
The charges contravened extant provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and the Penal Code Act.
The court heard how Adeyinka defrauded one Mr. Ovie Justice Ojeffia of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) under the pretence of regularizing his passport. Adeyinka reneged on his promise, prompting Ojeffia to petition the ICPC. The commission’s investigation and subsequent prosecution led to Adeyinka’s conviction.
In his judgement, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie found Adeyinka guilty on all four counts and sentenced him to 7 years each for counts 1 and 2, 5 years for count 4, and 2 years for count 3. The sentences are to run concurrently.
