ICPC arraigns man for forging degree, NYSC exemption certificate

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Mr Baba Kudu Mohammed before Justice A.Y. Shafa of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Nyanya, Abuja, on a four-count charge of forgery.

Mohammed was accused of forging a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Abuja and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate, which he allegedly presented to the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) in an attempt to secure employment.

One of the charges read: “That you, Baba Kudu Mohammed, ‘m’, sometime in the month of August 2010 or thereabout, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did have in your possession a forged Letter of Exemption from National Service bearing your name with identification number NYSC/CMD/LT. No. 201201201 and serial number 15440 purportedly issued by the National Youth Service Corps Directorate Headquarters in Abuja, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 368 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 53, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

Mohammed pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr Hamza Sani, informed the court of the readiness to proceed with the case, stating that two witnesses were present to testify.

However, the defendant’s counsel, Mr M.E. Abubakar, applied for bail on behalf of his client, which was not opposed by the prosecution.

Justice Shafa granted bail to the defendant and adjourned the case to March 3, 2025, for the commencement of trial.