The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the conviction of a staff member of the Federal Ministry of Aviation for defrauding a job seeker with a fake employment offer.
In a statement issued by Director of Public Enlightenment and Spokesperson for the Commission,
Demola Bakare, on Sunday, the ICPC said Mr Elvis Simon Okerenyi was found guilty of forgery and obtaining money under false pretences.
“Investigations revealed that Mr Okerenyi defrauded a job seeker, Titus Tavershima, of the sum of one million naira (N1,000,000) to secure employment in the Federal Civil Service,” the ICPC said.
The Commission noted that his actions contravened Section 320 and are punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, 2006.
The defendant entered into a plea bargain agreement with prosecutors, leading to the amendment of his initial seven-count charge to a single count charge to which he pleaded guilty.
During proceedings before Justice S. C. Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Okerenyi was convicted pursuant to Section 270(10) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The court sentenced him to one year imprisonment with an option of a N200,000 fine.
Furthermore, he was ordered to pay N350,000 as restitution to his victim.
