ICPC arraigns provost, lecturer over alleged certificate forgery in Sokoto

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned the current Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Zamfara State, Mrs Hauwau Abdulkarim, alongside a lecturer, Mr Abdullahi Boyi, who works at the Sokoto State College of Education, over alleged certificate forgery.

As reported by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the commission’s spokesperson, Mr Demola Bakare, in a statement released on Sunday, stated that the defendants pleaded not guilty to the six charges brought against them.

The ICPC brought allegations against the two defendants, asserting that they engaged in forgery by creating and submitting a false appointment letter in support of an application for the office of provost at the aforementioned institution.”

Hauwau and Abdullahi were also alleged of making false statements to ICPC officials during their investigation, which is an offence under Section 25(1) (a) and punishable under Section 25 (ii) (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

Count one of the charges reads, ”It is alleged that you, Hauwa’u Gimbiya Mukhtar Abdulkarim and Abdullah Boyi, conspired to commit forgery in Sokoto, within this Honourable Court’s jurisdiction, around 2023.”

“Specifically, you allegedly forged a letter notifying appointment to the position of Chief Lecturer on COMPCASS 14, effective January 1, 2017.”

“This act contravenes Section 59(1) and is punishable under Section 60(2) of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law, 2019.”

According to Bakare, counsel for the defendants, Dr. Muhammad Aliyu and Mr. M.S. Diri, have submitted bail applications on behalf of their respective clients.”

“The defense counsel requested that the court consider granting bail on reasonable terms, citing the defendants’ esteemed positions and cooperation throughout the investigation.”

“However, Mr. Suleiman Ahmad, counsel for the ICPC did not object to the bail applications,” the PUNCH reported.

“Honourable Justice Muhammad Sambo, the trial judge, following a thorough examination of the applications, ordered the release of the defendants on conditional bail, imposing stringent conditions to guarantee their ongoing presence and cooperation throughout the trial,” Bakare stated.

“The conditions of bail stipulate that each defendant shall provide two sureties, who must be permanent residents within Sokoto State.”

“Additionally, each surety shall execute a bond in the sum of one million naira (₦1,000,000),  guaranteeing the defendant’s attendance and participation throughout the trial proceedings.

“Upon the grant of bail, the ICPC prosecutor applied for a trial commencement date, affirming the commission’s preparedness to produce witnesses and tender evidence in support of the charges.”.

“The matter was adjourned by Justice Sambo till November 21, 2024, when the hearing is set to begin,” Bakare stated.

Know more about ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is a Nigerian anti-corruption agency established in 2000 to combat corruption and related offenses..

Mandate of ICPC

The ICPC’s mandate includes investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption, bribery, and related offenses and preventing corruption through public education and enlightenment.

Also, ICPC advises government agencies on anti-corruption measures and collaborates with international organizations to combat cross-border corruption.

Structure of ICPC

The commission is headed by a chairman, assisted by commissioners and a secretary.

It has departments, including investigation, prosecution, prevention, public education, and research and policy.

Powers of ICPC

The ICPC has powers to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, arrest and detain suspects, freeze bank accounts and seize assets, conduct searches and seizures, and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies.

Key Activities

The commission engages in investigation and prosecution of corruption cases, public enlightenment campaigns, training and capacity building for government officials, review of government policies and procedures, and collaboration with international organizations.

Achievements

Recovery of stolen funds and assets, conviction of high-profile corruption cases, development of anti-corruption policies, establishment of anti-corruption units in government agencies, and increased public awareness of corruption are all achievements of the ICPC.

Challenges

The anti-corruption agency is faced with challenges including limited resources and funding, resistance from corrupt individuals and groups, complexity of corruption cases and need for greater public support, and ensuring effective collaboration with other agencies.

Contact Information

The commission’s headquarters is at No. 10, Okemesi Crescent, Off Oro Ago Street, Garki II, Abuja, Nigeria.

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