ICPC: Fake Doctor Bags 4-year Jail Term For Using Friend’s Certificate to Secure Job

ICPC: Fake Doctor Bags 4-year Jail Term For Using Friend’s Certificate to Secure Job

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has successfully secured the conviction of Mr. Martins Ugwu, who impersonated a medical professional and used his ‘best friend’s’ certificate to land a job at the Federal Ministry of Health.

In a case that has drawn considerable attention, the ICPC originally filed a seven-count charge against Ugwu in February 2016 before Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi.

The charges stemmed from Ugwu’s false statement to the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, which enabled him to secure employment in the Ministry in 2006.

According to the ICPC’s Spokesperson, Demola Bakare, in a statement made available to National Periscope on Tuesday, Ugwu’s actions violated Section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, which is punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the same act.

The commission revealed that the impersonator drew salaries and allowances amounting to approximately N17.2 million during his decade-long employment as a medical doctor with the ministry.

In addition to his fraudulent employment, Ugwu utilized the fake documents to obtain a staff identity card bearing the name of Dr. George Daniel Davidson, apply for annual leave, and enroll in a postgraduate training program that would have awarded him a Master’s degree in the field of Epidemiology Practice.

During the sentencing hearing on Tuesday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi, ICPC Counsel Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha invoked Sections 319 and 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), urging the court to order the restitution of all funds earned during Ugwu’s fraudulent tenure as Dr. David George.

Justice Kutigi remarked on the growing issue of quack doctors, stating, “The sentencing of Ugwu will serve as a warning to others who may consider practicing without the necessary certifications.”

Ultimately, Justice Kutigi sentenced Ugwu to six months in prison for each of the seven counts filed against him, to be served consecutively. Furthermore, he ordered the restitution of all salaries and allowances paid to Ugwu during his time at the Federal Ministry of Health.

The judge added that an additional one-year jail term would be imposed if the convict fails to comply with the restitution order.