The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has resumed prosecution of Mr Saturday Igwe, coordinator of an illegal Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic satellite campus in Nyanya, Abuja, on an eight-count charge of forgery.

Igwe was re-arraigned before Justice Fatima Aliyu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja, on Wednesday, following delays caused by the elevation of the previous judge handling the case.

The ICPC accuses Igwe of forging admission letters and statements of results purportedly issued by Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua. He is also alleged to have falsely claimed the campus was accredited, despite its ban by the Federal Ministry of Education, and to have defrauded prospective students under this guise.

The charges include violations of section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, and section 363 of the Penal Code Act.

Igwe pleaded not guilty. Counsel to ICPC, Michael Adesola, requested an adjournment to present witnesses and exhibits vital to the case. Meanwhile, defence counsel Glory Onen sought bail for the defendant under lenient conditions, citing his cooperation. The ICPC did not oppose the application.

Justice Fatima Aliyu granted bail under the pre-existing conditions from the prior arraignment. She emphasised the need to expedite proceedings due to the long delays and adjourned the case to February 6, 2025, for a hearing.