An Abuja High Court has sentenced a staff member of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Elvis Okerenyi, to one year imprisonment for defrauding a job seeker of ₦1 million under the pretense of securing him employment in the Federal Civil Service.
Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court delivered the verdict after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) prosecuted Okerenyi for criminal impersonation and fraud.
According to a statement released on Sunday by ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, Okerenyi was initially facing seven counts, but these were reduced to a single charge following a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution.
Investigations revealed that Okerenyi obtained ₦1 million from one Titus Tavershima by falsely promising him a position in the civil service.
The ICPC said the act violated Section 320 of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 322, both under the Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, 2006.
READ ALSO: EFCC Arraigns Man for Alleged N11.2m Fraud in Lagos
“Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded guilty to the amended charge based on the plea bargain agreement and was convicted pursuant to Section 270(10) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA),” the ICPC’s statement read in part.
Justice Oriji sentenced Okerenyi to one year imprisonment with an option of a ₦200,000 fine.
In addition, the court ordered the convict to pay ₦350,000 in restitution to his victim.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of anti-corruption agencies to clamp down on employment-related fraud within government institutions.