The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a Deputy Director of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mr Yusuf Mustapha, over alleged forgery of an academic certificate.
Mustapha was brought before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday. He was arraigned before Justice S.U. Bature on a three-count charge bordering on forgery, fraudulent use of forged documents, and making false statements to investigators.
The charges followed investigations by the ICPC into the academic records submitted by the defendant during his employment process at the NIPC.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the ICPC spokesperson, Mr John Odey, the anti-corruption agency said it discovered discrepancies in the academic certificate presented by Mustapha.
According to the ICPC, Mustapha claimed that he graduated from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Second Class Honours (Lower Division).
The commission alleged that the certificate was used by the defendant to secure employment with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission on May 5, 2010, where he later rose to the rank of Deputy Director.
However, the ICPC said further investigations revealed that the certificate presented at the time of employment was not genuine.
“Responses from Ahmadu Bello University indicated that the certificate submitted by the defendant was not issued by the institution,” Odey said in the statement.
He added that official records from the university, including graduation lists and academic transcripts, showed a different result from what was presented by Mustapha.
“Further documents provided by the university, including graduation lists and the defendant’s academic transcript, confirmed that the defendant graduated with a Third-Class degree, contrary to the Second-Class degree certificate presented at the point of employment,” the statement said.
According to the commission, the Second-Class degree certificate and the accompanying statement of result submitted by Mustapha were forged and materially different from the genuine Third-Class degree certificate issued by ABU.
The ICPC said these findings formed the basis of the charges filed against the NIPC official.
The charges include 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; and 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 of the charges alleged that Mustapha, while serving as a Deputy Director at the NIPC, forged a Bachelor of Science degree certificate with Second Class Honours (Lower Division), purportedly issued by Ahmadu Bello University, with the intent to commit fraud.
At the court session, the charges were read to the defendant, and he pleaded not guilty to all three counts.
Following his plea, the prosecuting counsel, Mr David Nwaze, applied to the court for a date to begin trial.
On the other hand, counsel to the defendant, Mr Denen Kya, informed the court that he had filed a motion seeking bail for his client. He urged the court to grant the bail application on liberal terms, noting that Mustapha was a senior public servant and would be available to stand trial.
After listening to submissions from both the prosecution and the defence, Justice Bature granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦10 million.
The court ruled that the bail must be secured with one surety who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and meet other conditions set by the judge.
The case was adjourned to May 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The arraignment has drawn attention to the issue of certificate forgery in Nigeria’s public service, a problem that has surfaced repeatedly in recent years.
Several government agencies have, in the past, dismissed or prosecuted staff found to have presented fake or altered academic qualifications to gain employment or promotion. Anti-corruption agencies have often warned that such acts undermine professionalism and public trust in government institutions.
The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission is a federal agency responsible for encouraging, promoting, and coordinating investments in Nigeria. It works closely with local and foreign investors and plays a key role in improving the country’s investment climate.
As a Deputy Director, Mustapha held a senior position within the commission, making the allegations against him a matter of public interest.
The ICPC said the case highlights its continued commitment to tackling corruption and related offences in the public sector, including fraud and abuse of office.
The commission has repeatedly stated that it will investigate and prosecute cases involving falsification of records, regardless of the rank or status of those involved.
They also point out that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and that the prosecution will be required to present strong evidence to support its claims during the trial.
As the trial date approaches, the court is expected to hear testimonies from witnesses, including officials from Ahmadu Bello University and investigators from the ICPC, who may present documents and records to support the charges.