ICPC secures conviction of immigration officer in employment fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Saifullahi Haruna, an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), for his involvement in an employment fraud scheme.

Following a petition lodged against him, Haruna was arraigned before a Katsina State High Court on a one-count charge of obtaining money by deceit and abuse of office.

According to the ICPC, Haruna, in 2021, fraudulently collected ₦140,000 in instalments from his victim under the pretence of securing a job for him in the Nigeria Immigration Service. He failed to deliver the promised employment or refund the money until a formal complaint was made to the commission.

Haruna pleaded guilty and was convicted under a plea bargain agreement with the ICPC. He was sentenced to one year in prison or an option of a ₦10,000 fine.

Presiding judge Justice A. B. Abdullahi accepted the plea bargain after considering the application and the fact that the defendant had refunded the amount involved in the offence.

“The court hereby accepts the plea bargain and accordingly offers the convict an option of fine in lieu of imprisonment. The convict is hereby sentenced to pay a fine of ₦10,000, failing which he shall serve one year in prison,” the judge ruled.

The court further ordered that the recovered funds be returned to the complainant, Adamu Ibrahim, if not already done.