The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday arraigned Yusuf Mustapha, a Deputy Director at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on three counts of forgery, fraudulent use of forged documents, and making false statements to investigators.
Justice S.U. Bature heard the case, in which Mustapha is accused of presenting a forged Bachelor of Science degree certificate in Business Administration, claiming a Second Class Honours (Lower Division) from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, when he joined the NIPC on May 5, 2010.
According to a statement issued by ICPC spokesman John Odey, investigations showed that ABU confirmed it never issued the Second Class certificate submitted by the defendant. Documents from the university, including graduation lists and the defendant’s official transcript, indicated that Mustapha actually graduated with a Third Class degree.
The commission further alleged that both the degree certificate and the accompanying statement of result presented by Mustapha were forged and materially different from the genuine Third Class documents issued by ABU.
The three charges levelled against him are:
- 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;
- 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.
One specific count states that Mustapha, while serving as a deputy director at the NIPC, forged a Bachelor of Science degree certificate purporting to show Second Class Honours (Lower Division) from Ahmadu Bello University, with intent to commit fraud.
Mustapha pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Prosecuting counsel David Nwaze requested a trial date, while defence counsel Denen Kya asked the court to admit the defendant to bail on liberal terms, citing a pending motion.
After hearing both sides, Justice Bature granted 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.
