The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has obtained the conviction of two staff members of the National Assembly, Mustapha Mohammed and Tijjani Goni, for swindling unsuspecting job applicants of N4.8 million under the pretext of providing them employment opportunities at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Justice B.M. Bassi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja pronounced both individuals guilty after they confessed to participating in the fraudulent operation.

According to a statement by ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare, the case originated from a petition filed by the victims, Saifudeen Yakub and Aminu Abubakar, who disclosed that the officials had collected large sums of money with fake promises of job placements.

Investigations outlined that Mustapha Mohammed introduced himself as a National Assembly staff member with alleged connections in the CBN and FIRS. He reportedly demanded N4 million each from the complainants, claiming their appointment letters would be issued by April 27, 2021.

The victims deposited N3 million into a Zenith Bank account belonging to one of the defendants and later paid an additional N300,000 each into an Access Bank account for what they were told was a medical screening fee.

Following investigations, the ICPC charged the duo with five counts of conspiracy, forgery, and obtaining money under false pretence, offences contrary to the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and the Penal Code.

During the court proceedings, prosecution counsel Fatima Bardi told the court that the defendants had forged employment letters purportedly issued by the CBN and FIRS to deceive their victims.

Nevertheless, under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which allows plea bargaining, both men entered a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to an amended charge of making false statements, contrary to Section 25 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

As part of the agreement, the convicts refunded the entire N4.8 million to the ICPC Recovery Account and were each fined N100,000 by the court.

The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability and integrity in public service and cautioned Nigerians to beware of fraudulent job offers. The agency urged citizens to verify employment opportunities through official government channels before making any payments or commitments.