NSCDC officer jailed 7 years for certificate forgery, corrupt advantage — ICPC
Kola Oyelere, Kano
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, Hassan Abdullahi, who was found guilty of forgery and corrupt enrichment.
A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gudu, Abuja, and presided over by Justice E. Okpe, on Monday sentenced Abdullahi to a total of seven years in prison on a two-count charge filed by the ICPC.
During the trial, ICPC prosecutor, Hamza Sani, tendered evidence showing that the officer had in December 2010 presented a forged Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) purportedly issued by Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu, Kebbi State. According to the Commission, Abdullahi used the fake certificate to secure career elevation within the NSCDC.
The court ruled that the act breached Section 366 of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 364. Justice Okpe consequently sentenced him to two years imprisonment or a fine of ₦2 million on that count.
On the second count, the court found that between December 2011 and October 2022, Abdullahi wrongfully received salaries and benefits meant for a Senior Inspector — a rank he attained using the forged certificate.
This, the court held, amounted to corrupt advantage in violation of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
He was therefore sentenced to five years imprisonment without an option of fine.
Justice Okpe also invoked Section 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, ordering Abdullahi to refund all salaries, allowances, and emoluments he received based on the fraudulent promotion.
ICPC described the judgment as a strong judicial endorsement of the fight against corruption, especially within the public service.
The Commission stated that offences such as certificate forgery erode professionalism and public trust, adding that it remains committed to prosecuting all forms of corrupt practices.
The ICPC further urged government institutions to strengthen internal verification systems to prevent similar abuses.