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 his involvement in a job racketeering scheme involving N4.55 million.
Barde, who previously served as Personal Assistant to former NSCDC Commandant General Abdullahi Gana, was convicted by Justice Ngozika Nwabulu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kurudu, Abuja, following his prosecution by the anti-corruption agency on a two-count charge bordering on corruption and abuse of office.
According to the ICPC, the charges stemmed from Barde’s acceptance of N4,550,000 from one Igbo Christian Okechukwu under the guise of securing employment opportunities in the NSCDC for seven individuals.
One of the charges presented before the court stated: “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 (Four Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) from Igbo Christian Okechukwu as an inducement to secure jobs in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for seven persons and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18(d) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”
During the trial, the ICPC tendered documentary and testimonial evidence which it said clearly established the defendant’s role in the fraudulent employment scheme. The prosecution argued that Barde exploited his position within the NSCDC to obtain money from the victim with promises of securing recruitment slots in the paramilitary agency.
After reviewing the evidence and arguments presented by both parties, Justice Nwabulu found the senior NSCDC officer guilty of the charges. The court subsequently sentenced him to 12 months’ imprisonment with an option of a N4 million fine.
