EFCC Secures Conviction of Police and Immigration Officers for Employment Fraud in Gombe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully secured the conviction of two police officers, Yusuf AbdulKarim Bature and Musa Philip, and an immigration officer, Nasiru Mohammed, for employment fraud involving N1,640,000. The judgment was delivered by Justice T.G. Ringim of the Federal High Court sitting in Gombe on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Each of the convicts received a seven-year prison sentence, highlighting the judiciary’s commitment to tackling corruption in public service.

Conviction and Sentencing of Public Officers

Yusuf AbdulKarim Bature and Musa Philip, both officers of the Nigerian Police Force, faced a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretenses with intent to defraud. Nasiru Mohammed, an officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service, was arraigned on a one-count charge of a similar offense. The charges, prosecuted by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, accused the defendants of defrauding individuals under the guise of securing employment opportunities.

Justice Ringim sentenced the convicts to seven years imprisonment each but offered an alternative fine of N50,000. The court also mandated the restitution of the full amount of N1,640,000 to the victims. Furthermore, the defendants were required to sign undertakings to demonstrate good behavior moving forward. This ruling underscores the judiciary’s dual focus on penalizing fraudulent actions and providing redress for victims.

Fraudulent Activities and Charges

The court heard that Bature and Philip obtained N970,000 from one Asabe Hamed in 2022 under the pretext of securing her a job. Mohammed similarly deceived Abdul Rahman Abubakar and Akwalo Adamu into paying N670,000, promising them employment with the Nigerian Immigration Service. Investigations revealed that these claims were false, constituting offenses under Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act 2006.

Upon arraignment, all three defendants pleaded guilty, acknowledging their culpability. While the EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Tortema Joshua, urged the court to impose appropriate sentences, defense counsels Babangida Mohammed and K.K. Jomoh pleaded for leniency, citing the defendants’ status as first-time offenders who expressed remorse. The court balanced these factors in its sentencing.

Restitution and Implications

In addition to imprisonment, the court emphasized restitution, ordering the convicts to repay the defrauded amount. The judgment also included a stern warning for the defendants to desist from future misconduct. The case, which began with a petition in February 2024, highlights the EFCC’s vigilance in addressing employment scams—a growing concern in Nigeria.

The conviction of these public officers sends a strong message about the consequences of exploiting citizens’ trust for personal gain. It also underscores the EFCC’s role in holding public servants accountable and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.

While also EFCC Arraigns Suspected Land Racketeer in Maiduguri

The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, arraigned Bukar Umar Alhaji before Justice Muhammad Maina of the Borno State High Court. The charges against the defendant include obtaining by false pretense and criminal misappropriation, involving a sum of N2,100,000.

According to the EFCC, the alleged crime occurred in March 2022 when Alhaji, along with an accomplice, Babagoni Umar (currently at large), fraudulently collected money from Ibrahim Ismail under the pretense of selling two plots of land in Mafa Local Government Area, Borno State. The prosecution stated that the land was falsely represented and that the actions contravened the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2005.

Court Proceedings and Plea

During the court session, the charges were read to Bukar Umar Alhaji, who pleaded “not guilty” to all counts. The prosecution counsel, Faruk Muhammad, requested the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in custody to prevent interference with the investigation.

Justice Muhammad Maina granted the prosecution’s request, remanding the accused in Maiduguri Maximum Correctional Facility. The court adjourned the trial to December 4, 2024, when evidence and testimonies will be presented.

Details of the Alleged Crime

The EFCC’s investigation revealed that the defendant, in collaboration with his accomplice, sold two plots of land that did not belong to him. Despite receiving full payment from the victim, Ibrahim Ismail, the defendant failed to transfer ownership or refund the money.

This fraudulent transaction highlights ongoing land racketeering challenges in the region, a crime that undermines public trust in property transactions. The EFCC has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing such cases and ensuring justice is served for victims of economic and financial crimes.