The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of two National Assembly staff members, Mustapha Mohammed and Tijjani Adam Goni, for orchestrating a job scam that defrauded victims of ₦4.8 million.
According to ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare, the case stemmed from petition ICPC/P/NC/1056/2022, in which victims detailed how the defendants, along with an accomplice currently at large, promised fake employment at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
“The petitioners deposited ₦3 million into a Zenith Bank account belonging to one of the defendants and were subsequently asked to pay an additional ₦300,000 each for purported medical screening, which was paid into another Access Bank account,” Bakare said.
The suspects were convicted by Justice B.M. Bassi of the FCT High Court 55, Asokoro, Abuja, after being found guilty of defrauding two victims — Saifudeen Yakub and Aminu Abubakar.
Prosecution counsel, Fatima Abdullahi Bardi, explained that the duo forged employment letters to mislead the victims, claiming they had connections that could guarantee appointments.
“Investigations revealed that Mustapha Mohammed had introduced himself as a National Assembly staff member with close links at the CBN and FIRS. He allegedly demanded ₦4 million each from the complainants, assuring them their appointment letters would be released by April 27, 2021,” the ICPC stated.
Under a plea bargain in line with Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the defendants pleaded guilty to an amended one-count charge of making false statements, contrary to Section 25 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
As part of the agreement, the duo refunded the full ₦4.8 million to the ICPC Recovery Account and were each fined ₦100,000.
The ICPC reiterated its commitment to promoting integrity and accountability in public service, warning Nigerians to verify job offers and remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes.
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