The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Mr. Yusuf Abubakar Mustapha, a Deputy Director at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, Abuja, on allegations of forgery and related offences.
On Tuesday, the defendant appeared before Honourable Justice S.U. Bature (Court 22) to answer a three‑count charge bordering on forgery of academic credentials, fraudulent presentation of forged documents, and making false statements to ICPC investigators.
ICPC investigations revealed discrepancies in the academic certificate submitted by Mr. Mustapha. He allegedly claimed to have graduated from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Second Class Honours (Lower Division). This certificate was purportedly used to secure his appointment at NIPC on 5 May 2010.
However, ABU’s official response indicated that the certificate was not issued by the institution. Supporting records, including graduation lists and transcripts, allegedly confirmed that the defendant graduated with a Third‑Class degree, contrary to the Second‑Class certificate presented. ICPC maintains that the Second‑Class certificate and statement of result were forged and materially different from the genuine Third‑Class degree issued by ABU.
The charges against the defendant are framed under Section 363, Penal Code Laws of the Federation (forgery), punishable under Section 364; and Section 366, Penal Code Laws of the Federation (fraudulent presentation of forged documents), also punishable under Section 364; and Section 25(1)(a), Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 (false statements to ICPC officers), punishable under Section 25(1)(b).
Count One specifically alleges that Mr. Mustapha, as a public officer, forged a Bachelor of Science certificate in Business Administration with Second Class Honours (Lower Division), purportedly from ABU, with intent to defraud.
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The defendant pleaded not guilty to all three counts. Prosecution counsel, Mr. David Nwaze, applied for a trial date, while defence counsel, Mr. Denen Kya, moved a bail application supported by a 14‑paragraph affidavit and written address, urging the court to grant bail on liberal terms.
Justice Bature granted bail in the sum of ₦10 million, with one surety resident within the court’s jurisdiction. The matter was adjourned to 5 May 2026 for commencement of trial.
