By Sunday Elijah,
A Nigerian court has convicted a senior officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over a job recruitment scam involving about US$3,000 (₦4.55 million), in a case that underscores the country’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption in public institutions.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, said the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja found Deputy Commandant Idris Barde guilty of fraudulently collecting money from a job seeker with the promise of securing employment in the NSCDC.
Barde, who previously served as Personal Assistant to former NSCDC Commandant General Abdullahi Gana, was convicted by Justice Ngozika Nwabulu on a two-count charge relating to corruption and abuse of office.
According to the ICPC, the offences occurred in 2017 when Barde received about US$3,000 (₦4.55 million) from Igbo Christian Okechukwu after allegedly promising to facilitate the recruitment of seven applicants into the paramilitary agency.
Prosecutors presented documentary and oral evidence during the trial, which the court found sufficient to establish the charges.
Justice Nwabulu sentenced the officer to 12 months in prison with the option of paying a fine of about US$2,650 (₦4 million).
In a statement following the judgment, the ICPC described the conviction as part of its campaign to strengthen accountability in Nigeria’s public service and curb the abuse of official positions for personal gain.
The Commission said it remains committed to investigating and prosecuting corruption cases regardless of the status of those involved, while urging public officials to uphold transparency and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
Job recruitment fraud has remained a recurring challenge in Nigeria, where anti-corruption agencies have repeatedly warned job seekers against paying money to individuals claiming they can secure employment in government institutions. Authorities have also prosecuted several public officials accused of exploiting recruitment exercises for personal enrichment.
