A Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Idris Barde, has been convicted by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kurudu, Abuja, over a recruitment scam involving millions of naira.
The conviction was secured by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), according to a statement issued on Thursday by the agency’s spokesperson, John Odey.
Justice Ngozika Nwabulu found Barde guilty on charges linked to the unlawful collection of N4.55 million from an applicant, Igbo Christian Okechukwu, with a promise to secure employment slots in the NSCDC for seven individuals.
The ICPC said the offence occurred in 2017 while Barde was attached to the office of the then Commandant General of the corps, Abdullahi Gana, serving as a personal assistant.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant accepted the money as gratification to facilitate recruitment into the paramilitary organisation, an act said to be in breach of Section 18(d) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
During the trial, prosecutors presented documentary exhibits and witness testimonies which the court relied upon in reaching its verdict.
Following his conviction, Justice Nwabulu sentenced Barde to 12 months in prison, with an option of a N4 million fine.
The ICPC described the judgment as part of its efforts to curb corruption and abuse of office in public institutions, particularly employment-related fraud targeting job seekers.
The commission reiterated its commitment to enforcing transparency and accountability in the public sector, while warning Nigerians against paying money to individuals claiming they can influence recruitment into government agencies.
It added that it would continue to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences in line with its mandate.
