The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a Nigeria Immigration Service officer, Mr. Saifullahi Haruna, for employment-related fraud.
Haruna was found guilty of obtaining money under false pretence and abusing his office after fraudulently collecting ₦140,000 from a job seeker with a promise to secure him employment in the Immigration Service a promise he failed to fulfill.
The convict was arraigned before the Katsina State High Court on a one-count charge of obtaining by deceit, following a petition lodged by the victim. ICPC’s investigation revealed that the fraudulent act occurred in 2021, when Haruna collected the money in installments from his victim under the guise of helping him secure a government job.
After failing to provide the promised job or refund the money, a petition was filed with the ICPC, which led to his arrest and prosecution.
During the court proceedings, Haruna opted for a plea bargain and pleaded guilty to the charge. As part of the agreement, he refunded the full amount collected.
Delivering judgment, Justice A.B. Abdullahi accepted the plea bargain, taking into account the refund made by the defendant. The court sentenced Haruna to one year imprisonment or a ₦10,000 fine as an alternative.
“The court hereby accepts the plea bargain and accordingly offers the convict an option of fine in lieu of imprisonment,” the judge ruled.
Justice Abdullahi also ordered that the refunded sum be returned to the complainant, Adamu Ibrahim, if it had not already been paid.
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