The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Ekoh Justin Okezie before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on a nine-count charge including forgery, fraud, and providing false information to the Commission.
Appearing before Justice N. K. Nwosue-Iheme, Okezie faced allegations of possessing a counterfeit “Offer of Temporary Appointment” letter and a forged document purporting to be an appointment letter to the Federal Civil Service.
He was also accused of unlawfully receiving salary payments from the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture by falsely presenting himself as a legitimate staff member.
One of the charges outlined that Okezie fraudulently obtained ₦638,993.72 as a 12-month salary between January and December 2020 under false pretenses, an act contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Okezie pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following a bail application by his counsel, E. D. Imo, which was not opposed by ICPC prosecuting counsel Henry Emore, the court granted bail under specific conditions. These included providing a credible surety with permanent residence in Abuja and a ₦5 million bond.
Justice Nwosue-Iheme adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings. The ICPC is pursuing the matter as part of its efforts to address corruption and protect the integrity of public institutions.
