The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has brought charges against Hauwau Abdulkarim, the Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Zamfara State, and Abdullahi Boyi, a lecturer at the Sokoto State College of Education, for alleged certificate forgery.
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The ICPC claims the defendants forged an appointment letter, which was then used in Abdulkarim’s application for the Provost position.
They also face charges for providing false statements to ICPC officials during the investigation, violating Section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.
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In a statement released by ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, it was noted that both defendants pleaded not guilty to six charges against them.
The first charge states that in 2023, Abdulkarim and Boyi conspired to illegally forge a “Notification for Appointment” letter for the position of Chief Lecturer, which constitutes an offense under the Sokoto State Penal Code Law, 2019.
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Counsel for the defendants, Dr. Muhammad Aliyu and Mr. M.S. Diri, applied for bail, citing their clients’ established positions and cooperation with the investigation.
ICPC counsel Mr. Suleiman Ahmad did not oppose the bail request.
Trial judge, Justice Muhammad Sambo granted bail under specific conditions, requiring each defendant to provide two sureties who are permanent residents of Sokoto State, each signing a bond of ₦1,000,000.
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After bail was granted, the ICPC prosecutor requested a trial date, asserting the commission’s readiness to present evidence and witnesses.
The case has been adjourned to November 21, 2024, when the hearing will commence.
