Christopher Oluchukwu, a commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has been handed a five-year prison sentence for perpetrating employment fraud.
Convicted by Justice Abbas Bawale of Katsina State High Court 3, Oluchukwu was found guilty of defrauding Nigerians seeking employment opportunities for their children. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) brought him before the court.
Oluchukwu was convicted on all nine counts filed against him, according to a statement released by the ICPC on Thursday. The charges stemmed from allegations that he fraudulently collected a total of N900,000 from three individuals, promising them job placements within the NSCDC. However, he failed to deliver on his promises and refused to refund the money.
During the trial, ICPC’s counsel, Ibrahim Garba, highlighted that Oluchukwu’s actions violated Sections 8, 10, and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Justice Bawale, in his verdict, found Oluchukwu guilty on all counts and sentenced him to five years imprisonment, with no option for a fine. The judge ordered that the sentences should run concurrently and directed the arrest of Oluchukwu’s sureties for further investigation, as the defendant had absconded after jumping bail.