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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a high-ranking Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant, Christopher Oluchukwu, for defrauding innocent individuals seeking employment for their children. This landmark conviction serves as a warning to corrupt officials who exploit vulnerable citizens for personal gain.
According to a statement on the ICPC website, Oluchukwu was found guilty on all nine counts filed against him at the Katsina State High Court 3. The charges stemmed from allegations that he collected a total of N900,000 from three separate individuals under false pretenses of securing them jobs within the NSCDC. The victims, who had been desperate for employment opportunities, were deceived into paying the convict hefty sums of money for nonexistent job placements.
The statement revealed that the victims had reported the matter to ICPC after the convict failed to procure the said jobs and refused to refund their money. During the trial, ICPC counsel, Ibrahim Garba, presented a strong case, telling the court how the action of the convict negated sections 8, 10, and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. The prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Oluchukwu abused his position as a public officer to confer corrupt advantages upon himself.
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One of the counts read, “That you, Christopher Oluchukwu Ugwubujo, on or about 25th and 28th day of November 2014, within the jurisdiction of this Court, while being a public officer with the NSCDC, conferred a corrupt advantage upon yourself by obtaining a total sum of four hundred thousand naira (N400,000.00) from one for a job placement for her daughter into NSCDC, and you thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.”
In his ruling on Tuesday, Justice Abbas Bawale found Oluchukwu guilty on all nine counts and sentenced him to five years of imprisonment without the option of fine. The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning the convict will serve a total of five years in prison. Additionally, the trial judge ordered that the defendant’s sureties be arrested and kept in custody for further investigation, as the defendant was at large after jumping bail.
This conviction demonstrates the ICPC’s commitment to holding corrupt officials accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for victims of corruption. It also serves as a warning to others who might engage in similar illegal activities.