The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Mr. Martins Ugwu, a man who impersonated his best friend by using stolen credentials to secure employment at the Federal Ministry of Health.
The ICPC, in a 7-count charge filed before Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi, accused Ugwu of making false statements to the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) to secure the appointment in 2006.
According to the ICPC, Ugwu’s actions contravened Section 25 (1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and are punishable under Section 25 (1)(b) of the same law.
The convict, who posed as Dr. George Daniel Davidson, worked for a decade at the Federal Ministry of Health using forged documents. He earned approximately ₦17.2 million in salaries and allowances during his fraudulent career.
The ICPC revealed that Ugwu also used the falsified documents to obtain a staff identity card, apply for annual leave, and even pursue a postgraduate training program in epidemiology, which could have led to a Master’s degree.
During the court session, ICPC’s counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, urged the court to compel Ugwu to repay all earnings obtained through the fraudulent employment. Citing Sections 319 and 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), the ICPC requested restitution for the stolen salaries and allowances.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Kutigi highlighted the seriousness of the crime, stating, “The issue of quack doctors has taken a new dimension, and this sentencing is meant to serve as a deterrent to others who might consider practicing without the necessary qualifications.”
The judge sentenced Ugwu to six months imprisonment for each of the seven counts against him, to run consecutively. He also ordered the convict to refund all salaries and allowances received during his fraudulent employment.
Justice Kutigi further ruled that Ugwu would face an additional one-year jail term if he failed to comply with the restitution order.
