ICPC re-arraigns don, others over certificate racketeering, money laundering

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has re-arraigned Prof David Iornem and two others before Justice P.O. Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on amended certificate racketeering and money laundering charges.

The case, which began in 2013, resumed after Justice A.R. Mohammed, the initial trial judge, was elevated to the Court of Appeal. At the hearing, prosecuting counsel David Nwaze informed the court of the commission’s readiness to proceed with the re-arraignment and commence trial with two witnesses present.

Iornem pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts read to him, including charges against Island Open University Inc. and Commonwealth University Inc., the second and third defendants.

The first count alleged that Iornem, in conspiracy with Bruce Robert Duncan and others, fraudulently obtained money through online advertisements offering admission into Commonwealth University Belize, falsely presented as an accredited institution. The charge was filed under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

Count 13 accused Island Open University Inc. of laundering £11,000 to purchase a property in London, funds allegedly derived from illegal degree awards by Commonwealth University Belize, an unaccredited institution. This violated the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

Justice Lifu granted bail on terms similar to those previously set but increased the bond to N20 million and added stricter surety requirements, including a civil servant of at least Level 14.

During the trial, the prosecution called its first witness, Chidi Orji, an ICPC staff member, who testified that the investigation stemmed from a petition by the National Universities Commission (NUC). He detailed his role as an undercover agent who paid $800 to the third defendant as part of the sting operation that led to the arrest of a staff member.

Under cross-examination, the defence counsel, Felix Tyokase, challenged the validity of the petition and the defendants’ inclusion in the NUC’s list of illegal institutions. Orji clarified that the ICPC could investigate complaints about institutions not on the list, emphasising that the NUC could not always have comprehensive knowledge of all illegal entities.Justice Lifu adjourned the case to March 4, 2025, for continuation of the trial.