ICPC Convicts NSCDC Deputy Commandant for Job Racketeering

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) secured the conviction of Idris Bard, a deputy commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for job racketeering. Bard was found guilty by Justice Ngozika Nwabulu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kurudu on two counts of receiving a total of N4,550,000 from Igbo Christian Okechukwu under false pretenses of securing employment with the NSCDC.

The offenses occurred around 2017 when Bard, who served as a personal assistant to the former commandant general of the NSCDC, Abdullahi Gana, accepted the money from Okechukwu, thereby committing an offense contrary to Section 18(d) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. Bard was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, with an option of a N4 million fine.

The ICPC spokesperson, John Odei, stated that the conviction demonstrates the commitment to holding public officials accountable for abuse of office and corruption.