Justice A.A. Bawale of the Katsina State High Court has convicted a Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sani Lawal, for employment fraud.

Lawal was convicted after he was found guilty of charges bordering on employment fraud instituted against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

According to the ICPC, the offences contravened Section 25(1)(a) and are punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Counsel to the ICPC, Haruna Hedima, Esq., informed the court that the defendant, sometime in 2024, corruptly obtained the sum of ₦920,000 from two complainants under the false pretence of securing employment for them in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Although the ICPC initially charged the defendant with eight counts, his conviction followed two counts pressed against him in line with the terms of a plea bargain agreement adopted by the court.

In his judgment, Justice Bawale found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to pay a fine of ₦100,000.

The judge confirmed that the conviction followed a plea bargain agreement entered into between the prosecution and the defence counsel.

Justice Bawale held that the terms of the plea bargain agreement had been adopted by the court, thereby convicting and sentencing the defendant accordingly.

Meanwhile, the ICPC has warned Nigerians to be wary of individuals who demand money or other forms of gratification with promises of securing employment in government ministries, departments and agencies.

In a statement issued by the Head of Media and Public Communications of the ICPC, J. Okor Odey, the commission said recruitment into the public service is governed by established procedures and not through unofficial payments.

He said the commission remains resolute in investigating and prosecuting individuals who engage in corrupt practices, and urged members of the public to report such cases through its established reporting channels.

The conviction of the NSCDC Deputy Commandant, according to the ICPC, underscores the commission’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption in all its forms, including fraudulent recruitment schemes that exploit unsuspecting members of the public.