The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Yusuf Mustapha, a deputy director at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), over alleged forgery.
Mustapha appeared on Tuesday before Samira Bature, judge of an FCT high court in Maitama, Abuja, on a three-count charge.
The charges include forgery, fraudulent presentation of forged documents, and making false statements to ICPC investigators.
The anti-graft agency said its investigation uncovered inconsistencies in the academic certificate submitted by the defendant.
The ICPC alleged that Mustapha claimed he graduated from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration (second class lower).
The commission said the certificate was reportedly used to secure employment with the NIPC on May 5, 2010.
However, the ICPC said ABU responded that the certificate was not issued by the institution.
The agency added that documents obtained from the university, including graduation lists and the defendant’s academic transcript, showed he graduated with a third-class degree.
The ICPC further alleged that the second-class degree certificate and accompanying statement of result submitted by Mustapha were forged and materially different from the genuine certificate issued by ABU.
The commission said the offences were contrary to sections 363, 364, and 366 of the Penal Code Laws of the Federation.
It also cited section 25(1)(a) and punishable under section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Mustapha pleaded not guilty to all three counts.
Following his plea, David Nwaze, counsel to the prosecution, asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial.
Denen Kya, counsel to the defendant, informed the court that a bail application had been filed and urged the judge to grant bail on liberal terms.
After listening to both parties, the court granted Mustapha bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety resident within the court’s jurisdiction.
The matter was adjourned to May 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
