The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered how a former official of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Muhammad Said Musa, gained entry into the public service using forged academic and service certificates, earning millions of naira before the fraud was detected.

The disclosure was made in a statement signed by Okor Odey, the Commission’s Spokesperson, following the former official’s conviction under a plea bargain.

According to the ICPC, Musa presented a forged Bachelor of Science degree certificate in Political Science, purportedly issued by the University of Maiduguri, as well as a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Certificate of National Service, which he used to secure employment with the NIPC.

The irregularity was discovered during a Staff Verification Audit requested by the Executive Secretary of the NIPC. The commission said discrepancies noticed during the exercise prompted further checks, which confirmed that the certificates submitted by the official were not genuine.

“The certificates submitted by the defendant were found not to be genuine during the verification exercise,” the ICPC said.

The commission explained that the case was initially investigated as a multi-count offence bordering on forgery and false statements, but that the defendant later chose to cooperate with investigators.

ICPC counsel, O. R. Bada, explained that the plea bargain served the interest of justice, noting that the defendant showed remorse and fully cooperated during the investigation and prosecution.

As part of the agreement, Musa refunded N36,590,943.21, representing proceeds earned from the false representation, into the ICPC Recovery Account.

According to the statement, defence counsel, C.O.C. Emeka Izima, said his client was remorseful and had demonstrated genuine repentance by refunding all benefits derived from the offence.

The ICPC said the outcome reinforces its resolve to promote integrity in the public service and ensure accountability through sustained verification and enforcement actions. (Vanguard)

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