The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a deputy commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sani Lawal, for obtaining N920,000 from two persons under the false pretence of securing employment for them.
Lawal was convicted by Justice A.A. Bawale of Katsina State High Court No. 3 following a plea bargain agreement reached between the prosecution and the defence.
According to a statement by Okor Odey, head of Media and Public Communications, ICPC, the defendant collected the money from the two complainants sometime in 2024, promising to secure employment for them in the NSCDC.
Counsel to the commission, Haruna Hedima, told the court that Lawal was initially arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on employment fraud.
However, following the plea bargain agreement, the court convicted him on two counts in line with the terms of the agreement.
Justice Bawale subsequently adopted the terms of the plea bargain as the judgment of the court and sentenced Lawal to a fine of N100,000.
The offences were said to be contrary to Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The commission said the conviction underscored its commitment to tackling corruption, particularly fraudulent recruitment schemes that exploit unsuspecting members of the public.
The ICPC warned Nigerians against individuals who demand money or other gratification by promising to secure government employment for them.
“Recruitment into public service is governed by established procedures and not through unofficial payments,” the commission cautioned.
It urged members of the public to be wary of persons claiming to have the power to influence recruitment into government ministries, departments and agencies.
The commission said it remained “resolute in investigating and prosecuting all persons who engage in corrupt practices,” including those involved in fraudulent employment schemes.
It further urged members of the public to report suspected cases of corruption through its established reporting channels, stressing that job seekers should not fall victim to individuals who exploit their desperation for employment.
The conviction, the commission said, should serve as a warning to public officials and other persons who use their positions or influence to defraud Nigerians under the guise of securing government jobs.
