The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of two staff members of the National Assembly, Mustapha Mohammed and Tijjani Adam Goni, for their involvement in a ₦4.8 million job scam.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, the conviction followed a petition filed by two victims, Saifudeen Yakub and Aminu Abubakar, who accused the duo of defrauding them under the pretext of securing employment with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The victims alleged that the defendants, alongside another suspect still at large, collected ₦4.8 million, claiming it was to facilitate their employment. Investigations revealed that Mustapha Mohammed introduced himself as a staff member of the National Assembly with strong connections at the CBN and FIRS. He allegedly demanded ₦4 million from the complainants, promising that their appointment letters would be released by April 27, 2021.
The petitioners reportedly paid ₦3 million into a Zenith Bank account belonging to one of the defendants and later an additional ₦300,000 each into another Access Bank account for supposed medical screening.
After a detailed investigation, the ICPC charged the suspects before Justice B.M. Bassi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court 55, Asokoro, Abuja, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, and obtaining money under false pretence, contrary to the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and the Penal Code.
The prosecution counsel, Fatima Abdullahi Bardi, told the court that the defendants forged employment letters purportedly issued by the CBN and FIRS to deceive their victims.
However, during trial, the defendants opted for a plea bargain in line with Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. They pleaded guilty to an amended one-count charge of making false statements, contrary to Section 25 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
As part of the plea agreement, the duo refunded the entire ₦4.8 million to the ICPC recovery account and were each fined ₦100,000 by the court.
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in public service, urging Nigerians to be wary of fraudulent job offers and to verify employment opportunities through official government channels.
In a related development, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), is expected to deliver a keynote address on “Cybersecurity, Illicit Financial Flows and Achieving Agenda 2063 in Africa” at the Realnews 13th Anniversary Lecture scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in Lagos.
