The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Munirat Abdulazeez, a former court of appeal staff, over allegations of job racketeering scam.
Abdulazeez was brought before Godwin Iheabunke, judge of a federal capital territory high court in Buari on Wednesday, and she pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge preferred against her by the commission.
The judge had previously issued a warrant for her arrest after she failed to appear in court to take her plea.
According to a statement by the ICPC on Saturday, the defendant allegedly promised her victims (job seekers) non-existent jobs with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Investigations by the commission revealed that between September 2022 and July 2023, she obtained a total of N9.2 million from eight unsuspecting victims under false pretences.
Abdulazeez, who worked at the court of appeal from 2018 until her dismissal in 2023 over her involvement in job racketeering and auction fraud, now faces charges under section 1(1)(a), punishable under section 1(3) of the advance fee fraud and other related offences act, 2006.
After her ‘not guilty’ plea, a bail application moved by her lawyer and not opposed by the ICPC.
Iheabunke granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10m with two sureties in like sum.
The sureties, according to the judge,”must have a landed property within the jurisdiction of the court and must deposit the title documents with the court registrar, and the same must be confirmed by the registrar”.
“The defendant must write to the court formally in any event she wants to travel,” the judge added.
The matter was thereafter adjourned to June 20, 2025, for trial to commence.
(Cable)
