The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Hassan Abdullahi, a Superintendent in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for certificate forgery and self-enrichment through corrupt advantage.

Justice E. Okpe of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Gudu, Abuja, found Abdullahi guilty on a two-count charge brought against him by the anti-graft agency.

According to the statement signed by Okor Odey, Spokesperson for ICPC, Abdullahi dishonestly presented a forged Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu, Kebbi State, to the NSCDC in December 2010, seeking career advancement.

ICPC Prosecutor, Mr. Hamza Sani, led evidence demonstrating the fraudulent submission, which contravenes Section 366 and is punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Act.

The court sentenced Abdullahi to two years imprisonment or a fine of ₦2,000,000 for the certificate forgery.

On a separate count, the court found that between December 2011 and October 2022, Abdullahi, while holding public office, exploited his position to enrich himself by receiving salaries and benefits meant for the rank of Senior Inspector based on the forged certificate.

This offence violated Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. For this, the court handed down a five-year jail term without an option of fine.

In addition to the custodial sentences, the court ordered Abdullahi to refund all salaries, allowances, and other emoluments received from the time he fraudulently upgraded his career until he ceased drawing government pay, citing Section 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

The ICPC, in a statement, hailed the judgement as a “reaffirmation of the judiciary’s commitment to rooting out corruption in public service,” emphasising that certificate forgery and self-enrichment “undermine professionalism, integrity, and public trust.”

The Commission reiterated its resolve to pursue diligent investigation and prosecution of corrupt practices across all levels of government and urged public institutions to tighten verification processes to prevent similar abuses.

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