Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has taken a significant step in combating corruption by arraigning Tiemo Joy Alabogha, a staff member of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), on a six-count charge of forgery, intent to commit fraud, and making false statements.
Alabogha was accused of presenting a forged Bachelor of Education certificate from the University of Calabar to NSITF, knowing it was not genuine.
This offense is punishable under section 364 of the Penal Code, Laws of the FCT. Additionally, she was arraigned for presenting a false certificate of confirmation supposedly from UNICAL, contravening section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 68 of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act 2000.
During the hearing on October 30, 2024, before Honorable Justice Ogbonaya of the FCT High Court, Zuba, the defense counsel requested bail for the defendant. Prosecuting counsel Aniekan Ekong did not oppose the application but emphasized that any bail terms should ensure the defendant’s availability for trial.
The trial judge ordered Alabogha’s remand at the Suleja Custodial Facility pending the ruling on her bail application. The case has been adjourned to February 19, 2025, for further hearing.
