The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has successfully prosecuted Mr. Iyonu Eseme, an employee of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, for securing his position at the agency using a forged Trade Test Certificate.
Eseme appeared before Justice M.I. Tanko at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, facing a three-count charge related to forgery. The charges were filed under Sections 366 and 368 of the Penal Code Act, as well as Section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
One of the charges stated, “That you, Iyonu Eseme (M), sometime in the month of August 2020 at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did with intent to commit fraud, forge a Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity Certificate of Competence also known as Trade Test Certificate I, II, III (2014) with trade test code KN/6/90052, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code.”
Following his arraignment, Eseme, represented by his lawyer Mr. Anthony Idanosa Eruaga, opted to enter a plea bargain.
The ICPC’s prosecuting counsel, Mr. Nura Saidu, agreed to the arrangement in line with Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and proposed a conviction accompanied by a monetary fine.
After reviewing the plea bargain and submissions from both sides, Justice Tanko convicted Eseme and imposed a fine of N50,000.
In response to the ruling, the ICPC reaffirmed its dedication to promoting accountability and ethical conduct in public service.
The Commission also issued a strong warning that “acts of forgery and other corrupt practices will not go unpunished.”
