ICPC Secures 7-Yrs Prison Term for NSCDC Officer Over Fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, Mr. Solomon Ogodo, for forgery, employment racketeering, and fraud.

Ogodo, a Superintendent in the NSCDC, was arraigned in December 2022 before Justice M.S. Idris of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi, Abuja. He was accused of defrauding unsuspecting job seekers of ₦12.2 million under the guise of securing employment for them in the Nigeria Correctional Services.

The ICPC presented a five-count charge against Ogodo, detailing how he deceived individuals into paying various sums in exchange for fake employment opportunities. During the trial, ICPC prosecutor Hamza Sani provided evidence showing how Ogodo forged provisional appointment letters for the victims.

Ogodo’s actions contravened Section 13, punishable under Section 68 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, as well as Section 363, punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Act. Additionally, his activities violated the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006.

Before sentencing, Ogodo’s defense counsel, Mr. A.A. Nwoye, appealed for leniency, requesting the court to consider community service as an alternative to imprisonment. However, the prosecution urged the court to mandate full restitution of the ₦12.2 million collected from the victims, in accordance with Section 319(1)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

Delivering judgment, Justice Idris sentenced Ogodo to seven years in prison for counts one to three, with no option of a fine. For count four, the court imposed a two-month prison term or a fine of ₦5,000, while count five carried an additional two-month imprisonment without an option of a fine.

The court also ordered Ogodo to refund the full amount defrauded to his victims, reinforcing the ICPC’s commitment to combating corruption and protecting citizens from fraudulent practices.