A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi, Abuja, has jailed an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Solomon Ogodo, for seven years for defrauding job seekers of N12.2 million with a fake employment scheme.
In addition, the court ordered him to refund in full the money he collected from his victims.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) which prosecuted him had told the court that the convict forged provisional appointment letters and promised unsuspecting applicants jobs in the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
The prosecutor, Mr Hamza Sani said Ogodo’s actions contravene 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.
Counsel for the defendant, Mr 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,” he declared.
The court imposed seven years’ imprisonment on three counts without an option of a fine and additional two-month sentence on other charges, one allowing a N5, 000 fine.
The judge also 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.
