The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Idris Barde, for job racketeering.

Barde, who served as Personal Assistant to the former Commandant General of the NSCDC, Mr Abdullahi Gana, was convicted by Justice Ngozika Nwabulu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kurudu, Abuja.

He was prosecuted by the anti-graft agency on a two-count charge bordering on accepting gratification to secure employment in the NSCDC.
The ICPC alleged that Barde, in 2017, received N4.55 million from Mr Igbo Christian Okechukwu as an inducement to secure jobs in the NSCDC for seven individuals.

The commission told the court that the act was contrary to Section 18(d) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
ICPC in a statement on Thursday said  after reviewing the evidence presented Justice Nwabulu found Barde guilty and sentenced him to 12 months’ imprisonment, with an option of a N4 million fine.

The ICPC described the judgment as a further demonstration of its commitment to holding public officers accountable for corruption and abuse of office.

The commission also urged public officials and citizens to uphold ethical standards, stressing that it would continue to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences.