The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has apprehended Achigili Raph Ogili, an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), for his alleged involvement in forging a University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) certificate to secure a promotion within the organization.
The ICPC disclosed this information to journalists in Abuja on Friday, shedding light on the fraudulent activities carried out by Ogili and his accomplices.
Ogili, along with Mr Sunday Okpara and Mr Rasaq Abdulrahaman Dabiri, reportedly collaborated in forging a statement of result bearing registration number 2720700176.
This document was purportedly used by Ogili to support his application for an upgrade in the FRSC.
Furthermore, Ogili stands accused of forging a letter, claiming it was written by the Deputy Registrar (Academics) of the University, to authenticate the fake statement of result.
Mrs Azuka Ogugua, the spokesperson for the ICPC, explained that the trio has been charged with conspiracy and falsification of documents, both of which are punishable under the law.
The accused individuals were subsequently arraigned before Justice J. E. Obanor of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court 29, which is situated in Jabi, Abuja.
Regarding the charges, ICPC spokesperson said;
“In a Charge No: CR/321/2023 filed before the trial court, the Commission alleged that the 1st accused person (Ogili) used a forged University of Abuja statement of result with Registration Number 2720700176 to support his application for upgrading in the Corps.
“On the other hand, both the 2nd and 3rd defendants were charged for their complicity in the forged letter confirming the fake statement of result as genuine.
“Their offences are contrary to sections 96 and 366, and punishable under sections 364 and 368 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the FCT, Abuja 2006,” the ICPC spokesperson said.
During the court proceedings, Ogili, Okpara, and Dabiri all pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them.
The defense lawyers representing the accused parties raised bail applications on their behalf, which were not opposed by the prosecution counsel, Dorathy Suleman.
As a result, the defendants were granted bail in the amount of N500,000 each, along with a surety who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.
The trial has been scheduled to commence on October 30th and 31st, 2023. As the matter progresses, it is expected that further details regarding the case will come to light.