The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) has arraigned a former Director General of Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Chima Cartney Igwe before a Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.
ICPC arraigned Chima Igwe on a three counts charge which borders on giving a false information with intent to deceive, and using office to confer unfair advantage upon himself.
Arraigning Igwe before Justice Sherifat Solebo, ICPC in a charge delineated number ID/15716C/2021, stated that the defendant sometimes in December 2002, while being a public officer knowingly giving a document with false information to his employer.
ICPC alleged that the defendant being an officer with Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), did confer unfair advantage upon himself by presenting an Attestation Letter to the Institute signifying the completion of PhD programme in Applied Chemistry at University of Abomey- Calavi (UAC) Republic of Benin consequent upon which he got many promotions and rose through the rank to the Directorate cadre.
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An offences which is contrary to and punishable to section 17(1)(c) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Also, it’s contrary to section 25(1)(a) and punishable under 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2020.
ICPC counsel, Mr. Henry Emore subsequently prayed the court to take the plea of the defendant.
Chima Igwe however pleaded not guilty.
Mr. Emore thereafter informed the court that the prosecution is ready to commences trial noting that they have three witnesses ready to testify in the trial.
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Meanwhile Igwe’s counsel, Mr E.O Ekong urged the court to admit the defendant to bail pending his trial in the suit.
ICPC didn’t opposed the bail application
Justice Solebo subsequently in a bench ruling, granted Chima Igwe bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
According to the judge, the address of the sureties be verified by the Registrar, and the surety must show evidence of tax payment to Lagos State government.
The matter was then adjourned to February 24, 27, 2022 for commencement of trial.
