The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Solomon Ogodo, a Superintendent of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for forgery, employment racketeering, and defrauding job seekers of ₦12.2 million.
Ogodo was arraigned in December 2022 before Justice M.S. Idris of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi, Abuja, on a five-count charge.
The ICPC detailed how the convict deceived members of the public by forging provisional appointment letters and collecting various sums under the guise of securing employment for their relatives in the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS).
The prosecution, led by Hamza Sani, demonstrated during the trial that Ogodo’s actions violated several laws, including the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, the Penal Code Act, and the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offence Act 2006.
Justice Idris sentenced Ogodo to seven years imprisonment on counts 1 to 3, without the option of a fine. For counts 4 and 5, the convict received two-month sentences, with count 4 allowing a fine of ₦5,000.
The court also ordered Ogodo to repay all ₦12.2 million defrauded from his victims, as stipulated under Section 319(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The defence counsel, A.A. Nwoye, had appealed for a lighter sentence, suggesting community service, but the court rejected this plea, citing the gravity of the crime. Justice Idris emphasized the need for restitution and accountability, underscoring the harm caused by Ogodo’s actions.
The ICPC lauded the judgment as a victory against corruption, noting it serves as a deterrent to similar offenses and a step toward restoring public trust.
