The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of one Mr. Saifullahi Haruna, an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), over allegations of employment fraud.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of one Mr. Saifullahi Haruna, an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), over allegations of employment fraud.
The conviction followed a one-count charge of obtaining by false pretence and abuse of office brought against him at the Katsina State High Court after a petition was lodged against him by a victim identified as Adamu Ibrahim.
According to a statement issued by the Commission’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, fsi, Mr. Haruna had in 2021 collected N140,000 in instalments from the complainant under the pretext of securing a job for him in the NIS — an offer he failed to fulfill.
Despite repeated demands, the convict neither provided the promised job nor returned the money until a formal petition was submitted to the ICPC.
Upon arraignment, Mr. Haruna pleaded guilty and opted for a plea bargain. The court, presided over by Justice A.B. Abdullahi, accepted the agreement and sentenced him to one year in prison, with an option of a N10,000 fine.
Justice Abdullahi noted that the court took into consideration the full refund of the funds obtained, and ordered that the amount be returned to the complainant if it had not already been done.
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to tackling corruption and abuse of office across all sectors.