By Peace Udugba
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 defrauding two job seekers of ₦920,000 under the guise of securing employment for them in the paramilitary agency.
The conviction followed a plea bargain agreement between the prosecution and the defence, which was upheld by Justice A.A. Bawale of Katsina State High Court No. 3 on Thursday.
Justice Bawale found the defendant guilty on two counts of employment fraud and sentenced him to pay a fine of ₦100,000 in line with the terms of the plea bargain adopted by the court.
According to the ICPC, Lawal fraudulently collected a total of ₦920,000 from two complainants in 2024 after falsely promising to facilitate their recruitment into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
ICPC prosecuting counsel, Haruna Hedima, told the court that the defendant was initially arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on employment fraud. However, following negotiations between both parties, the case was resolved through a plea bargain, leading to his conviction on two counts.
The offences are contrary to Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Following the judgment, the anti-graft agency said the conviction reflects its determination to combat corruption and dismantle fraudulent recruitment schemes that prey on unsuspecting Nigerians seeking employment.
The Commission warned members of the public against paying money to individuals who claim they can secure jobs in government ministries, departments and agencies, stressing that recruitment into the public service is conducted through established procedures and not through unofficial payments.
ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to investigating and prosecuting all forms of corruption and urged Nigerians to report suspected employment scams and other corrupt practices through its official reporting channels.
Meta Description: ICPC has secured the conviction of NSCDC Deputy Commandant Sani Lawal for defrauding two job seekers of ₦920,000 through a fake employment scheme. Justice A.A. Bawale sentenced him to a ₦100,000 fine following a plea bargain agreement.
