ICPC: Woman sentenced to 1 year in prison for forging Abba Kyari’s signature

ICPC: Woman sentenced to 1 year in prison for forging Abba Kyari’s signature

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwagwalada, Abuja, has sentenced businesswoman and mother of five, Mrs. Ramat Mercy Mbah, to prison for her involvement in an employment scam and forging the signature of the late President Abba Kyari. Sentenced to one year. Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Presiding Judge Ibrahim Mohamad last week postponed sentencing until Thursday but directed that she be remanded to Suleja Correctional Center.

In June 2022, the ICPC filed five cases of fraud, fraud, and forgery in violation of Article 200, Article 13 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act, and Article 89, Article 320(b), and 366 of the Penal Code. Mba was indicted on charges of. in northern Nigeria.

During the course of the trial, the Commission, through prosecutor Hamza Sani, revealed how the convict committed the crime in 2020 when he collected NOK 4.5 million from several job seekers who promised him jobs. He provided evidence in court as to whether he had committed the crime. For them, in collaboration with ICPC and the National Aerospace Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

Further, documentary evidence submitted shows that the convict fraudulently forged the letterhead of the Office of the Chief of Staff addressed to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, and his signature.

The letter was addressed to the ICPC Chairman requesting the recruitment of three individuals by the Commission. However, the late chief of staff distanced himself or his office from approving the letter in a letter also filed in court.

In a judgment dated May 9, 2024, the trial judge, Judge Ibrahim Muhammad, found the mother of five guilty on counts 1, 2, 3 and 5 dealing with cheating and forgery. , she was released on count four. felony.

Justice Mohammad sentenced him to six months imprisonment or an optional fine of N100,000 for charges 1, 2 and 3 on which he was convicted during the sentencing hearing on Thursday.

The presiding judge emphasized that the defendant was a first-time offender and a mother, and sentenced the defendant to one year in prison or a fine of 150,000 naira for charge 5, which was almost forgery.

signed
Demola Bakare, FSI
Ag. Director of Awareness and Education/
Committee Spokesperson