A Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, Solomon Ogodo, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for defrauding job seekers of N12.2 million through a fraudulent employment scheme.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) led the prosecution, and the court also ordered Ogodo to refund the money he unlawfully collected.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi, Abuja, was informed by the ICPC that Ogodo had forged provisional appointment letters and promised job seekers employment with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
He exploited the hopes of desperate applicants, swindling them with fake job offers.
Prosecutor Hamza Sani explained that Ogodo’s actions violated several laws, including the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and the Advanced Fee Fraud Act 2006.
“Ogodo took advantage of job seekers’ desperation to enrich himself,” Sani remarked.
Ogodo’s defense lawyer, A.A. Nwoye, requested a lenient sentence, proposing community service instead of prison time.
However, Justice M.S. Idris rejected this plea, emphasizing the gravity of Ogodo’s crime.
“His actions have eroded public trust and caused significant harm to the victims,” the judge said.
The court sentenced Ogodo to seven years for three counts of fraud, with no option for a fine. Additionally, the court imposed a two-month jail term on other related charges, with an option for a N5,000 fine.
Justice Idris also ruled in favor of the prosecution’s request, mandating that Ogodo repay the full amount defrauded from the victims, as per Section 319(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. One victim, who had fallen for the scam, reportedly lost a large sum believing the offer was legitimate.
Following the ruling, an ICPC official stated, “This judgment sends a strong message that fraud and exploitation will not be tolerated.”
