The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has formally charged the Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Zamfara State, Hauwau Abdulkarim, along with Abdullahi Boyi, a lecturer from the Sokoto State College of Education, for alleged certificate forgery.
According to the ICPC, both defendants are accused of forging an appointment letter, which they then allegedly used to apply for the position of Provost at the college. Additionally, they reportedly provided false information to ICPC officials during the investigation, an offense punishable under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
The ICPC spokesperson confirmed that both Abdulkarim and Boyi pleaded not guilty to the six charges presented against them. The first count alleges that in 2023, the defendants conspired to forge a “Notification for Appointment” to the role of Chief Lecturer, an action that contravenes Sokoto State Penal Code Law.
Defense lawyers Dr. Muhammad Aliyu and Mr. M.S. Diri applied for bail on behalf of the defendants, highlighting their cooperation with investigators and requesting fair terms. The judge granted bail under conditions, requiring each defendant to have two local sureties, each signing a bond of N1,000,000 to ensure the defendants’ presence throughout the trial.
With bail granted, the ICPC prosecutor requested an early trial date, affirming readiness to present evidence and witnesses. The judge scheduled the next hearing for November 21, 2024, when trial proceedings are expected to begin.