NIPC Deputy Director Arraigned by ICPC Over Alleged Forgery of Degree Certificate

A Deputy Director of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mr. Yusuf Abubakar Mustapha, has been arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged forgery and related offences.

The defendant was arraigned on Tuesday before Honourable Justice S.U Bature, sitting at Court 22, on a three-count charge bordering on forgery, fraudulent presentation of forged documents, and making false statements to ICPC investigators.

The Commission’s investigation revealed discrepancies in the academic certificate submitted by the defendant. The defendant reportedly claimed to have graduated from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Second Class Honours (Lower Division), which he allegedly used to secure employment with the NIPC on May 5, 2010.

However, responses from Ahmadu Bello University reportedly indicated that the certificate was not issued by the institution. Further documents provided by the university, including graduation lists and the defendant’s academic transcript, allegedly confirmed that the defendant graduated with a Third-Class degree, contrary to the Second-Class degree certificate presented at the point of employment.

The ICPC further alleged that the Second-Class degree certificate and accompanying statement of result presented by the defendant were forged and materially different from the genuine Third-Class degree certificate issued by ABU.

The charges against the defendant include forgery contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Laws of the Federation; fraudulent presentation of forged documents contrary to Section 366 and punishable under Section 364 of the same law; and making false statements to an ICPC officer contrary to Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Count One of the charges reads: “That you, Yusuf Abubakar Mustapha ‘Male’, being a public officer serving as a deputy director at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Abuja. within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, sometime in 2010, did forge a Bachelor of Science (Business Administration) degree certificate, with Second Class Honours (Lower Division) purportedly emanating from Ahmadu Bello University. Zaria Kaduna State, with intent to commit fraud, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Laws of the Federation.”

The defendant however pleaded not guilty to all three counts.

Following the plea, counsel to the prosecution, Mr. David Nwaze, applied for a date for the commencement of trial while the Defence counsel, Mr. Denen Kya, informed the court of a motion on notice seeking bail for the defendant, supported by a 14-paragraph affidavit and a written address, urging the court to grant bail on liberal terms.

After hearing arguments from both parties, the court granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦10 million with one surety who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

The matter was adjourned to May 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.