The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has taken a bold step in the fight against corruption by arraigning Awuawe Clement, the former Registrar of the Benue State School of Health Technology, Agasha.
Clement, who held a prominent position in the educational institution, now faces serious charges of admission racketeering.
According to reports, Clement is accused of illegally collecting N4.47 million from prospective students who were desperate to secure admission into the school.
The case, which has attracted public attention, was brought to light when the ICPC, in a statement released by its spokesperson, Demola Bakare, confirmed that the former registrar was being charged with several offenses.
One of the charges against Clement is that he provided false information to ICPC officers during the investigation.
This offense is in violation of Section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices Act 2000, which stipulates the consequences for giving false statements during investigations by the anti-corruption body.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The first charge against Awuawe Clement reveals the extent of the allegations.
It was alleged that between 2018 and 2019, while serving as Registrar at the Benue State School of Health Technology in Agasha, Clement took advantage of his position.
He was accused of using his office to sell admission forms to unsuspecting candidates even after the official deadline for admissions had passed.
The sales reportedly raked in a total sum of N4,476,500, which Clement is accused of diverting for his personal use.
The charge sheet presented in court read: “That you, CLEMENT, between 2018 and 2019, at Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while being a Public Officer as the Registrar of the School of Health Technology, Agasha, used your position to confer corrupt advantage upon yourself by collecting a total sum of N4,476,500.”
The ICPC, a prominent body in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, has been active in investigating various cases involving abuse of office and corruption in public institutions.
By taking legal action against Clement, the ICPC seeks to demonstrate that it is serious about curbing corrupt practices in the education sector.
Admission racketeering is a common issue in Nigeria, with several institutions being accused of exploiting candidates for financial gain.
This practice undermines the credibility of the education system and leaves many students who cannot afford to pay these illegal fees without a chance for higher education.
The ICPC’s actions against Awuawe Clement send a message that the government is determined to fight these malpractices.
In the courtroom, Clement’s counsel, Mr. Kelvin Iorzenda, made a strong appeal for his client’s bail.
Iorzenda argued that Clement was entitled to bail and presented his application before the judge.
Surprisingly, the prosecution, led by Mr. T.S. Lorngee, did not oppose the bail application, which is uncommon in cases of this nature.
Justice Egbe Raphael, who presided over the case, considered both the defense’s application and the prosecution’s stance.
After hearing the arguments, the judge granted Clement bail in the sum of two million naira (N2,000,000).
The bail condition also required that Clement present a surety who must be a public or civil servant, either at the federal or state level.
The judge outlined specific requirements for the surety, including the submission of important documents such as the letter of first appointment, letter of last promotion, an identity card, passport photographs, and an affidavit of means and address.
The court session was short but significant.
After granting bail, Justice Egbe Raphael adjourned the matter to December 12, 2024, when the court will hear more details of the case.
