The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arraigned the former Registrar of the Benue State School of Health Technology in Agasha, Awuawe Clement, over allegations of admission fraud.
Clement is accused of collecting and diverting ₦4,466,500 from unsuspecting admission seekers who paid for forms after the official sales period had ended.
According to a statement from the ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, Clement faces three charges, including making false statements during the investigation. This act violates Section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and is punishable under Section 25(ii)(b).
One of the charges against Clement reads: “Between 2018 and 2019, while serving as Registrar of the School of Health Technology, Agasha, you used your position to collect ₦4,476,500 by continuing to sell admission forms to unsuspecting students after the sales period had ended, for your personal gain. This is an offence under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.”
Clement pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His lawyer, Mr. Kelvin Iorzenda, applied for bail, which the prosecution counsel, Mr. T. S. Lorngee, did not oppose. Justice Egbe Raphael granted the defendant bail of ₦2,000,000 and one surety of the same amount.
The judge explained that the surety must be a public or civil servant and provide documents such as their first appointment letter, last promotion letter, ID card, passport photos, and an affidavit of means and address.
The case has been adjourned to December 12, 2024, for further hearing.
