ICPC secures conviction of NSCDC deputy commandant for job racketeering

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Idris Barde, for offences bordering on job racketeering.

The development was confirmed on Thursday in a statement signed by the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey.

It was learnt that Barde, a former Personal Assistant to ex-NSCDC Commandant-General Abdullahi Gana, was prosecuted before Justice Ngozika Nwabulu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kurudu, on a two-count charge.

According to the statement, Barde received ₦4.55 million from Igbo Christian Okechukwu under the pretence of securing employment in the NSCDC for seven individuals.

One of the charges against him read: “That you, Idris Barde (M), in the year 2017 or thereabout at Abuja, while being a public officer attached to the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, did accept for yourself the sum of N4,550,000.00 from Igbo Christian Okechukwu as an inducement to secure jobs in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for seven persons.”

The ICPC said it tendered documentary and testimonial evidence during the trial, which established the allegations against the defendant.

Following the presentation of evidence, Justice Nwabulu found Barde guilty and sentenced him to 12 months’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦4 million fine.

Reacting to the judgment, the Commission described the conviction as “another demonstration of its unwavering commitment to holding public officers accountable for abuse of office and corruption.”

The ICPC also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting integrity, transparency and accountability in public service and assured Nigerians that it would “continue to deploy all lawful measures to prevent, investigate, and prosecute corruption wherever it occurs.”