The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Mr. Iyonu Eseme, an employee of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), for using a forged Trade Test Certificate to obtain employment.
Eseme was arraigned before Justice M.I. Tanko of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on a three-count charge bordering on forgery. The charges were brought 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 Eseme, in August 2020, forged a Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity Certificate of Competence, also known as Trade Test Certificate I, II, and III (2014), bearing the code KN/6/90052, with intent to commit fraud.
During his arraignment, Eseme, through his counsel Mr. Anthony Idanosa Eruaga, opted for a plea bargain. The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Nura Saidu, accepted the agreement under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, and recommended a fine as part of the sentence.
Justice Tanko reviewed the plea terms and convicted Eseme, sentencing him to pay a fine of ₦50,000.
In a statement released by its spokesperson, Demola Bakare, the ICPC reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and emphasized its commitment to upholding integrity in public service. The commission warned that forgery and similar offenses would be met with the full force of the law.
