The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a dismissed staff member of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Abdulwahab Sule, for offences bordering on certificate forgery and related corrupt practices.
A press statement by the Commission’s Spokesperson, John Odey, in Abuja said the conviction was delivered by the High Court of Niger state sitting in Minna, presided over by Honourable Justice Abdullahi Mikailu, in Charge No: NSHC/ICPC/1C/2023.
He said the convict, who was dismissed from NECO in 2020 following the discovery of irregularities in his credentials, was found guilty on a three-count charge of dishonestly using a forged document as genuine, possession of a forged document, and making false statements.
The Spokesperson person said investigations by the ICPC revealed that the convict fraudulently used a forged Diploma certificate purportedly issued by the Federal University of Technology, Yola (now Modibbo Adama University, Yola) to secure employment with NECO in January 2009, where he remained until his dismissal in September 2020.
Odey said further findings showed that the certificate, dated March 18, 2008, did not emanate from the institution, as confirmed by the university during verification.
He said the Commission also established that the convict had not completed his studies and still had outstanding courses at the time he claimed to have graduated.
According to the Commission, “In addition, Mr. Sule was found to have knowingly made false representations to NECO’s Director of Human Resource Management in August 2020, falsely claiming that he had obtained the Diploma certificate.
“During ICPC’s investigation, the convict admitted that he did not complete his studies and disclosed that he paid the sum of N30,000 to procure the forged certificate from an individual.
“Upon conviction, the Court sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment on count on; 10 years on count two; and two years on count three. The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning he will effectively spend 12 years in prison.
“The ICPC reiterates its commitment to sanitising public institutions and warns that individuals who engage in forgery, falsification of records, and other corrupt practices will be brought to justice.
“The Commission also urges organisations to sustain regular verification of staff credentials to prevent similar occurrences and strengthen institutional integrity.”
