The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Elvis Simon Okerenyi, an employee of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, for forgery and involvement in a fraudulent job scheme.
According to a statement by ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, investigations revealed that Okerenyi defrauded a job seeker, Titus Tavershima, of ₦1 million under the pretext of securing employment in the Federal Civil Service.
The commission stated that the offence contravened Section 320 and is punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, 2006.
Okerenyi subsequently entered a plea bargain with the prosecution. As a result, the initial seven-count charge was amended to a single count, to which he pleaded guilty.
He was arraigned before Justice S.C. Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, where he was convicted in accordance with Section 270(10) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) based on the plea deal.
The court sentenced him to one year in prison with an option of a ₦200,000 fine. He was also ordered to pay ₦350,000 in restitution to the victim, Tavershima.
