ICPC Secures Conviction of Two National Assembly Officials Over ₦4.8m Job Scam

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has obtained the conviction of two National Assembly officials, Mustapha Mohammed and Tijjani Goni, for their involvement in a ₦4.8 million employment scam.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, Justice B.M. Bassi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja found the defendants guilty of defrauding two individuals under the guise of securing jobs for them at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

The case originated from a petition filed by the victims, Saifudeen Yakub and Aminu Abubakar, who alleged that the duo—alongside another suspect still at large—collected ₦4.8 million from them for fake job placements.

Investigations revealed that Mohammed, claiming to have strong connections at the CBN and FIRS, demanded ₦4 million each from the complainants, assuring them of appointment letters by April 27, 2021. The victims later transferred ₦3 million into a Zenith Bank account belonging to one of the defendants and an additional ₦300,000 each for supposed medical screenings into an Access Bank account.

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

However, under a plea bargain in line with Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the defendants pleaded guilty to an amended one-count charge of making false statements, in violation of Section 25 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

As part of the agreement, both officials refunded the entire ₦4.8 million to the ICPC Recovery Account and were each fined ₦100,000.

The ICPC reiterated its dedication to promoting transparency and integrity in public service, while cautioning Nigerians against falling for fake job offers and urging them to verify such opportunities through official government channels.