By Chimezie Godfrey
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dragged a Superintendent of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Solomon Ogodo, to the dock over allegations bordering on forgery, employment racketeering and fraud.
This is contained in a statement signed by the ICPC’s Spokesperson, Mrs Azuka Ogugua made available to the press on Thursday at Abuja.
“ICPC, in charge no: CR/503/2022 brought before Honourable Justice M.S. Idris of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Jabi, Abuja, accused the defendant of defrauding unsuspecting job seekers to the tune of Twelve Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N12,200,000).
“In the 5-count charge, the Commission told the Court that the accused person on different occasions hoodwinked members of the public into parting with different sums of money in the guise of securing employments for their relatives in the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS).
“The Court was further informed of how Mr. Ogodo, with the intent to commit fraud, forged offers of provisional appointments for some applicants into the Nigeria Correctional Services.
“His actions are contrary to Section 13 and punishable under Section 68 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, and contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Act. The actions also violate and is punishable under Section 1 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offence Act of 2006,” she stated.
Mrs Ogugua added,”The defendant entered a “not guilty” plea when the charges were read for him.
“The defense counsel, Mr. Osita Eze, thereafter moved a bail application on behalf of his client which was not opposed by ICPC counsel, Mr. Mashkur Salisu. However, Mr. Salisu urged the court to impose stringent conditions that will compel the defendant attend his trial, considering the fact that he only made himself available when he was declared wanted by the Commission.
“The trial judge admitted the accused person to bail in the sum of N5m and two sureties in like sum who must be resident of FCT and civil servants not below grade level 12. The sureties were also ordered to swear affidavit of means, failure of which the defendant would be remanded in ICPC custody.
“The matter was adjourned to the 16th of January 2023 for definite hearing.”
