NSCDC officer jailed for seven years over N12.2m job scam

An officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Solomon Ogodo, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for defrauding job seekers of N12.2 million with a fake employment scheme.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) prosecuted the case, which also saw the court order Ogodo to repay all funds collected from his victims.

The ICPC told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi, Abuja, that Ogodo forged provisional appointment letters and promised unsuspecting applicants jobs in the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

Prosecutor Hamza Sani detailed how Ogodo’s actions contravened multiple laws, including the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and the Advanced Fee Fraud Act 2006.

“Mr Ogodo forged appointment letters and exploited the desperation of job seekers for personal gain,” said Sani.

The defence counsel, A.A. Nwoye, pleaded for a more lenient sentence, suggesting community service instead of imprisonment.

However, Justice M.S. Idris dismissed the request, citing the severity of the crime. “The convict’s actions have undermined public trust and caused significant harm,” the judge stated during sentencing.

The court imposed seven years’ imprisonment on three counts without an option of a fine and additional two-month sentences on other charges, one allowing a N5,000 fine.

In addition, Justice Idris agreed with the prosecution’s request under Section 319(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, ordering Ogodo to fully reimburse his victims.

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One victim, whose identity was not disclosed, reportedly lost a substantial amount of money believing the employment offer was legitimate.

“Justice has been served,” said an ICPC official after the ruling. “This judgment sends a strong message that corruption and exploitation will not go unpunished.”