By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a former official of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Muhammad Said Musa, over the use of forged academic and service certificates.
The conviction was delivered by Honourable Justice B. Mandy Bassi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting at Court 55, Asokoro, Abuja.
According to the Commission, Musa was found guilty of making false statements after fraudulently presenting forged certificates to secure employment with the NIPC.
ICPC disclosed that the defendant presented a forged Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree certificate in Political Science, allegedly issued by the University of Maiduguri, as well as a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Certificate of National Service.
The matter came to light following a Staff Verification Audit initiated by the Executive Secretary of the NIPC, during which the authenticity of the certificates submitted by Musa was questioned.
Subsequent investigations and independent verification by the ICPC confirmed that both certificates were not genuine.
In Charge No. CR/113/25, counsel to the Commission, Barrister O. R. Bada, informed the court that the offence contravened Section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The prosecution revealed that the defendant was initially arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on forgery and false statements. However, following his application for leniency and expressed willingness to cooperate, the charges were reduced to a single count under a plea bargain agreement.
ICPC stated that the plea bargain was entered in the interest of justice, noting that the defendant admitted responsibility, showed remorse, and cooperated fully during the investigation and prosecution.
As part of the agreement, Musa refunded the sum of ₦36,590,943.21 — representing salaries and benefits earned through false representation — into the ICPC Recovery Account.
Counsel to the defendant, Barrister C.O.C. Emeka Izima, told the court that his client was genuinely remorseful and had demonstrated repentance by returning all proceeds derived from the offence.
In her ruling, Justice Bassi upheld the plea bargain agreement and sentenced the defendant to a non-custodial sentence. The court further ordered him to be of good conduct and imposed a fine of ₦50,000.
The ICPC said the conviction underscores its continued commitment to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s public service and enforcing accountability in line with its statutory mandate.
Newspot Nigeria reports that the Commission has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against falsification of credentials and abuse of public office.
