The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja is currently trying Anthony Damisa, an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State Command.He stands accused of presenting a fake certificate and lying under oath.
In a 4-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the accused was alleged of using a forged Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Public Administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) as well as a forged National Diploma Certificate in General Agriculture from the College of Agriculture, Yandev, Benue State to seek higher placement in the Corps.
ICPC told the court that its investigation revealed that the certificate presented by the officer to NSCDC were fake and not issued by the claimed institutions.
The commission also accused the defendant of making false statement to officers of ICPC while on their official duties.
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Officer Damisa allegedly violated Section 366 and Section 25 of the Penal Code Act and Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, respectively.
The defendant vehemently pleaded “not guilty” and his lawyer, Ibrahim Alhassan, firmly demanded bail for his client. The prosecution counsel, Ebiye Oglafa, did not object to the request.
Defendant granted bail by Justice Anenih, ordered to pay N2m and present a civil servant surety of grade level 10 or above.
Justice Anenih also ordered the officer to deposit either his International Passport or Driver’s License as well as two passport photographs.
The court adjourned the matter to the 4th of April 2023 for commencement of hearing.
Stella Adeniyi