Court sentences ex-NSCDC boss to 5years imprisonment over job scam

By Innocent Raphael

The Katsina State High Court has sentenced the former Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Christopher Oluchukwu, to five years imprisonment without the option of a fine over employment scam.

The conviction was secured by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Oluchukwu was accused of receiving sums ranging from N200,000 to N400,000 from three individuals, promising to secure jobs for their children with the NSCDC.

However, when he failed to fulfill his promise and refused to refund the money, the victims reported the matter to the ICPC.

”That you Christopher Oluchukwu Ugwubujo on or about 25th and 28th day of November, 2014 within the jurisdiction of this court while being a public officer with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) conferred corrupt advantage upon yourself by obtaining a total sum of four hundred thousand naira (N400,000. 00) from one…for a job placement for her daughter into the NSCDC and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000,” a count read.

During the trial, the ICPC presented a 9-count charge, outlining how Oluchukwu’s actions violated sections 8, 10, and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

In his ruling on Tuesday, Justice Abbas Bawale found him guilty on all counts.

Despite Oluchukwu jumping bail, the judge ordered his sureties to be arrested for further investigation.