The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of Mr. Solomon Ogodo, a Superintendent of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for forgery, employment racketeering, and fraud.
Mr. Ogodo was arraigned by the ICPC in December 2022 before Justice M.S. Idris of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi, Abuja, on charges of defrauding unsuspecting job seekers of ₦12.2 million under the guise of securing employment for their relatives in the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS).
The five-count charge detailed how Mr. Ogodo deceived victims into paying varying sums and forged provisional appointment offers for applicants. The ICPC prosecutor, Mr. Hamza Sani, presented evidence during the trial demonstrating the convict’s illegal activities.
His actions were found to contravene several laws, including:
- Section 13, punishable under Section 68 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
- Section 363, punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Act.
- Section 1 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006.
Justice Idris sentenced Mr. Ogodo to:
- Seven years imprisonment on counts 1 to 3 without an option of a fine.
- Two months imprisonment with an option of a ₦5,000 fine on count 4.
- Two months imprisonment on count 5 without an option of a fine.
The court also ordered Mr. Ogodo to refund all the money he collected from his victims, invoking Section 319(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to ensure restitution.
Counsel for the convict, Mr. A.A. Nwoye, urged the court to consider converting the jail term to community service. However, the prosecution argued for compensation for the victims, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability.
This conviction highlights the ICPC’s commitment to curbing corruption and holding public officials accountable for fraudulent activities.
