NIGERIA: ICPC Secures Conviction of Four Individuals, Firm Over Bribery and Forgery

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of four individuals and a company for bribery, forgery, conspiracy, and making false statements to public officers.

The details were disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commission’s spokesperson, J. Okor Odey.

According to the ICPC, the convicted persons are Kenneth Okezie Samuel, Boss Engineering Nigeria Ltd, Collins Ugwu, and Cosmas Okechukwu Eze. They were arraigned before Justice A. O. Otaluka of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Apo Division, on a six-count charge filed under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003.

The charges bordered on conspiracy to offer bribes, payment of bribes, forgery, and making false statements in violation of Sections 22(6)(c), 22(1)(a)(i), and 25(1)(a) of the Act.

During the trial, marked Suit No. FCT/HC/CR/207/2016, the Commission presented evidence showing that the defendants conspired to offer a ₦6 million bribe to officials of the Federal Ministry of Works to influence the award of a contract.

The ICPC also proved that the defendants submitted a forged tax clearance certificate as part of the prequalification documents for Boss Engineering Nigeria Ltd. Seven witnesses and several documentary exhibits were tendered in support of the prosecution.

Justice Otaluka delivered judgment on 14 July 2025, ruling that the prosecution had proved all six counts beyond reasonable doubt.

The Court stated: “The evidence established a deliberate scheme by the defendants to compromise the contract award process through bribery and document forgery.”

The court imposed various penalties on the defendants. Kenneth Okezie Samuel was sentenced to two years imprisonment on each of counts one to six, to run concurrently, with an option of a ₦1 million fine. He was also fined ₦1 million each for counts one, four, and five.

Collins Ugwu received two years imprisonment on counts one, four, five, and six, to run concurrently, with an option of a ₦1 million fine. Cosmas Okechukwu Eze was sentenced to one year imprisonment on counts one, four, five, and six, also to run concurrently, with an option of a ₦500,000 fine. The Commission confirmed that all defendants have paid their fines.

The ICPC described the judgment as an important milestone in efforts to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s public procurement processes.

The Commission stated: “This case underscores that attempts to undermine integrity in contract award processes through bribery, falsification, or deceit will be met with the full weight of the law.”

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in engagements between public institutions and private entities, and commended the judiciary for its role in delivering justice in the matter.

It also urged citizens, civil society groups, and the media to continue supporting the fight against corruption by reporting suspicious activities through its designated channels.