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ICPC Secures Conviction of NSCDC Deputy Commandant Over N4.55m Job Racketeerin
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), Idris Barde, for job racketeering involving N4.55 million.
Barde, who served as Personal Assistant to former NSCDC Commandant General, Abdullahi Gana, was convicted by Justice Ngozika Nwabulu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Kurudu, after being found guilty of corruptly receiving money under the pretext of securing employment in the Corps.
The ICPC said Barde was prosecuted on a two-count charge bordering on corruption and abuse of office.
According to the Commission, the offences stemmed from his receipt of N4.55 million from one Igbo Christian Okechukwu in 2017 with the promise of securing employment in the NSCDC for seven applicants.
One of the charges stated that Barde, while serving as a public officer attached to the office of the then Commandant General of the NSCDC, accepted the money as an inducement to facilitate the recruitment of the seven individuals, an offence contrary to Section 18(d) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
During the trial, the prosecution presented documentary and oral evidence linking the defendant to the offence.
After reviewing the evidence, Justice Nwabulu found Barde guilty and sentenced him to 12 months’ imprisonment, with an option of a N4 million fine.
Reacting to the judgment, the ICPC described the conviction as a demonstration of its commitment to ensuring accountability in the public service and combating corruption.
The anti-graft agency reiterated its resolve to promote integrity, transparency and accountability across public institutions, warning public officials against abusing their positions for personal gain.
The Commission also assured Nigerians that it would continue to deploy all lawful measures to prevent, investigate and prosecute acts of corruption, regardless of the status of those involved
