The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has taken 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, to court over allegations of certificate forgery. Both individuals are accused of falsifying an appointment letter and using it to apply for the Provost position at Abdulkarim’s institution.
According to a statement released by ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare on Sunday, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the six charges filed against them. Bakare explained that the charges include forgery and making false statements during the ICPC’s investigation, which violate Nigeria’s Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
The first count of the charges specifies that Abdulkarim and Boyi, in 2023, allegedly conspired to forge a letter titled “Notification for Appointment” to grant Abdulkarim the role of Chief Lecturer, effective from January 1, 2017. This alleged action, according to the Sokoto State Penal Code, constitutes an offence punishable by law.
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During the court session, the defendants’ lawyers, Dr. Muhammad Aliyu and Mr. M.S. Diri, requested bail, emphasizing that their clients have reputable positions and cooperated fully during the investigation. ICPC counsel Suleiman Ahmad did not oppose these bail requests, which allowed Justice Muhammad Sambo to approve the applications, attaching specific conditions to ensure the defendants’ compliance with court proceedings.
As part of their bail, each defendant must provide two sureties who are permanent residents of Sokoto State, and each surety must sign a bond of one million naira. Following the bail approval, the ICPC prosecutor requested a trial date, stating that the commission is ready to bring witnesses and evidence to support the charges.
Justice Sambo set the trial to begin on November 21, 2024, when evidence will be presented in the case. The outcome of this case will be closely watched as it addresses significant allegations of corruption and academic dishonesty within Nigeria’s educational system.