The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned a job seeker, Azuka Obiejogo before Justice Muawiyah Idris of an Abuja High Court sitting in Gwagwalada, for allegedly forging a recommendation letter from the Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Obiejogo, a Higher National Diploma holder from a polytechnic in Anambra State, allegedly presented the forged letter from the Coordinating Minister of the nation’s economy to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company for employment.
Confirming the arrest, Wilson Uwujaren, the anti-graft agency image maker affirmed that, “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.”
Obiejogo was arraigned on a six counts charged 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.”
According to the anti-graft agency, the offence is contrary to Section 320(b) and punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code, CAP 532, Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1990.”
When the charge was read, the suspect however pleaded not guilty.
In view of his plea, counsel for the EFCC, Halidu Mohammed, asked the court to remand the accused, adding that a date should be set for the commencement of trial.
The case was consequently adjourned by Justice Idris till June 2, 2015 for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial.
Idris however ordered Obiejogo to be remanded in Kuje Prison.
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