The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of two officials of the National Assembly, Mustapha Mohammed and Tijjani Goni, for their role in a ₦4.8 million job scam.
Justice B.M. Bassi of the FCT High Court, Abuja, found the duo guilty of defrauding two victims under the guise of securing employment for them at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
According to ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare, the case began after a petition was filed by the victims, Saifudeen Yakub and Aminu Abubakar, alleging that the defendants collected ₦4.8 million to facilitate fake job offers.
Investigations revealed that Mohammed, who introduced himself as a National Assembly staff member, claimed to have strong links with the CBN and FIRS. He demanded ₦4 million each from the victims, promising that their appointment letters would be ready by April 27, 2021.
The complainants deposited ₦3 million into a Zenith Bank account belonging to one of the defendants and later paid an additional ₦300,000 each for a fake medical screening, sent to an Access Bank account.
Following investigations, the ICPC charged the suspects with conspiracy, forgery, and obtaining money under false pretence, in violation of the Advance Fee Fraud Act (2006) and the Penal Code.
However, both defendants opted for a plea bargain, pleading guilty to an amended count of making false statements, contrary to Section 25 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act (2000).
As part of the deal, they refunded the ₦4.8 million to the ICPC Recovery Account and were each fined ₦100,000.
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and warned Nigerians to verify job offers through official government channels to avoid falling prey to fraudsters.
