The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Munirat Abdulazeez, a former staff of the Court of Appeal, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Bwari, Abuja, over allegations of job racketeering.
According to a statement released by Demola Bakare, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education on Saturday, Abdulazeez allegedly defrauded eight unsuspecting job seekers of ₦9.2 million between September 2022 and July 2023.
Details of the Alleged Scam
The ICPC revealed that Abdulazeez, also known as Jummai, allegedly promised her victims employment opportunities in prestigious government agencies including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
"She obtained the money through false pretence, which is against the law under Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advanced Fee Fraud Act 2006," said Mr. Hamza Sani, counsel to the ICPC.
Court Proceedings
The accused initially failed to appear in court, prompting Justice Godwin Iheabunke to issue an arrest warrant. Following her eventual appearance, Abdulazeez pleaded "not guilty" to the two-count charge brought against her.
After hearing arguments from both prosecution and defense, Justice Iheabunke granted the accused bail in the sum of ₦10 million with two sureties in like sum. The court stipulated that the sureties must own property within Abuja and submit relevant title documents to the court registrar.
The case has been adjourned to June 20, 2025, to allow the ICPC to present its witnesses.
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of job racketeering in Nigeria, where desperate job seekers often fall victim to fraudsters promising employment opportunities in exchange for money.
The ICPC continues its efforts to combat corruption and fraud in various sectors, with this case serving as a reminder of the need for vigilance when seeking employment opportunities.
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