The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Tiemo Joy Alabogha on a six-count charge, including forgery, intent to commit fraud, and making false statements, among other alleged misconducts.
Alabogha, an employee of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), appeared on October 30, 2024, before Justice Ogbonaya at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Zuba.
The charges allege that Alabogha forged and submitted a Bachelor of Education certificate purportedly from the University of Calabar (UNICAL) to NSITF, fully aware of its inauthenticity. This act is considered a violation punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code, Laws of the FCT.
Additionally, Alabogha is accused of presenting a certificate confirmation letter, allegedly from UNICAL, affirming the validity of the forged degree. This, as outlined in the charge sheet, violates Section 25(1)(a) and is punishable under Section 68 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
During the proceedings, the defense counsel requested bail for the defendant, which the prosecuting counsel, Aniekan Ekong, did not oppose. However, Ekong urged the court to impose conditions that would ensure the defendant’s presence throughout the trial.
Justice Ogbonaya ordered Alabogha’s remand at the Suleja Custodial Facility, pending a ruling on her bail application. The court adjourned the matter to February 19, 2025, for the hearing of the substantive case.
