A staff member of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Elvis Simon Okerenyi, has been convicted for employment fraud after deceiving a job seeker and collecting N1 million under false pretence.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in a statement released by its spokesperson, Demola Bakare, said Okerenyi was arraigned before Justice S. C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court for offences bordering on forgery and fraudulent job placement.
ICPC investigations revealed that Okerenyi collected the sum of N1,000,000 from one Titus Tavershima under the guise of securing employment for him in the Federal Civil Service.
“This act contravenes Section 320 and is punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, 2006,” the ICPC stated.
The commission added that Okerenyi entered a plea bargain with the prosecution, leading to the amendment of the original seven-count charge to a single count, to which he pleaded guilty.
Following his guilty plea, the court sentenced him to one year imprisonment with an option of a N200,000 fine. In addition, the convict was ordered to refund N350,000 to the victim as part of restitution.
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to sanitising the public service and warned individuals against exploiting desperate job seekers.
The case highlights the growing concern over employment scams in government agencies, with calls for stricter monitoring and prosecution of offenders to deter future fraud.
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