Analyzing the ICPC’s Allegations: Forgery Charges Against Boundary Commission Leadership
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Mrs. Aishatu Abdullahi, Director of Administration and Supplies, and Mrs. Ghaji Rahila, Assistant Chief Accountant, of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. They face charges of forgery, conspiracy, and abuse of office.
Allegations:
- Forgery and Conspiracy: The ICPC alleges that in 2021, Abdullahi and Rahila conspired to allow Rahila to participate in the NBC’s senior staff promotion exercise and secure her promotion to Chief Accountant (Level 14) while she was simultaneously employed by Galaxy Backbone Limited.
- Forgery of Admission Letter: Rahila is also accused of forging an admission letter from Carnegie Mellon University, Rwanda, purportedly addressed to her husband, Suleiman Mishara, to support her application for a leave of absence from the NBC.
Court Proceedings:
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Yusuf Halilu granted them bail, requiring each to provide two sureties:
- Sureties must be residents of Abuja.
- They must be civil servants at the rank of director in any federal parastatal, with evidence of first employment and last promotion.
- Sureties must sign letters of undertaking to produce the defendants in court throughout their trial and agree to be put in prison upon failure to produce the defendants.
- The defendants are to deposit their travel documents with the court registrar.
The case has been adjourned to March 17, 2025, for the commencement of hearing.