The Independent Corrupt Practises and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday at the Federal High Court Abuja arraigned one Prof. David Iornem on alleged 17,350 dollars (about N2.8 million) scam.
Mr Ebenezer Shogunle, counsel to the prosecution, alleged that the accused person used his privileged status to commit the illegal act.
The prosecution filed a three-count charge against Iornem.
The count one of the charge said the accused person on July 4, 2012 in Abuja, attempted to obtain 11,550 dollars from Prof. Is-haq Oloyede with the intention to defraud him.
According to the charge, Iornem falsely represented himself to be “Professor David Iornem” and solicited payment of the said sum from Oloyede for the award of an academic doctorate degree of Commonwealth University in Belize.
It said the accused knew the said university was a fake and unaccredited one owned and operated by him.
The commission said Iornem committed an offence contrary to Section 8(b) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.
The charge further said that the accused person on or about Jan.13 in Abuja defrauded another victim, Akinkiotu Oluwatoyin the sum of 5,000 dollars.
The charge stated that the amount was a purported cost for an admission to pursue a degree of doctor of philosophy in management, also at the Commonwealth University, Belize.
According to the charge, Iornem’s action went contrary to Section 1(1) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related offences Act 2006.
The charge noted that the accused person on May 23 within the jurisdiction of the court received another 800 dollars from one Jamilu Sani as fee for an application form for admission into the same university.
After the charge sheet was read to him, the accused, however, pleaded not guilty to any of the charges.
Mr Chris Alachi, counsel to the accused person immediately sought the permission of the court to move a bail application earlier filed by Iornem.
Alachi said the application was filed on Aug.1 and brought pursuant to Section 36 (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
He submitted that the motion further relied on Section 19 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.
The counsel argued that his client should be considered innocent until proved otherwise beyond reasonable doubt.
He explained that Iornem was a respected academician, adding that “he is properly involved in the teaching, training and building of sound minds in Nigeria and abroad.’’
Giving his ruling, Justice A.R. Mohammed said “I have gone through the motion on notice for the bail of the applicant and the court is inclined to grant the accused person bail.
“This application is not contentious as the prosecuting team has not opposed it, nevertheless, the term of the bail must be met for the applicant to regain his momentary freedom.
“The applicant is hereby admitted to bail in the sum of N100,000, a surety in the service of the Federal Government not less than grade level 08 and must swear to affidavit of means.
“The matter is thereby adjourned to Aug. 28 for definite hearing.’’
