EFCC arrest job seeker for forging Finance Minister’s recommendation letter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a job seeker, Azuka Obiejogo for allegedly forging a recommendation letter purportedly from Nigeria’s Finance Minister and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

It was gathered that Obiejogo, a Higher National Diploma holder from a polytechnic in Anambra State, allegedly forged a reference letter purportedly from Okonjo-Iweala and presented it to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company for employment.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said, “Obiejogo is a Higher National Diploma holder. He forged a reference letter from the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and along with his curriculum vitae, requested employment in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company.”

The suspect was arraigned before Justice Muawiyah Idris of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Gwagwalada, Abuja, on six counts bordering on forgery.

The charges read in part, “That you, Azuka Obiejogo, on or about August 11, 2014, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, intentionally induced the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to employ you as Account Officer II by presenting a forged reference letter titled, ‘Reference on Obiejogo Raymond Azuka’, purportedly made by the Honourable Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recommending you as a worthy officer fit for employment and which act caused harm to the reputation of TETFUND.”

The EFCC stated that the offence was contrary to Section 320(b) and punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code, CAP 532, Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1990.”

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, counsel for the EFCC, Halidu Mohammed, urged the court to fix a date to commence trial and to also remand the accused in custody.

His application was opposed by Mohammed who asked the court for time to respond.

Justice Idris adjourned the case till June 2, 2015 for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial.

He ordered the accused to be remanded in the Kuje Prison.

Credit: Sesan Olufowobi/Punch Metro