Certificate Scandal: Former NSITF Staff Member Accused of Certificate Forgery.

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An Abuja court has heard the case of Tiemo Alabogha, a former staff member of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), who allegedly forged her university and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates. The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has charged Alabogha with 11 counts of forgery, accusing her of presenting a fake Bachelor of Education certificate from the University of Calabar (UNICAL) to secure employment at NSITF.

ICPC Assistant Chief Superintendent Yilzen Hoonkwap testified in court, stating that the commission received a petition from NSITF, prompting an investigation. “Alabogha was employed as a deputy manager based on a degree certificate in education with a specialisation in tourism and eco-management from UNICAL,” he said.

A letter confirming the authenticity of her certificate, allegedly signed by the university registrar, was found in her employment file. Hoonkwap further revealed that two NYSC exemption certificates, dated March 6, 2007, and March 9, 2009, were also in the file. The ICPC wrote to both UNICAL and NYSC to verify the documents.

The university later confirmed that Alabogha’s certificate was forged, linking it to one Sunday Akpabio, who is currently at large. Following this discovery, the ICPC froze Alabogha’s bank accounts, and she was arrested by the Nigeria Police before being handed over to the commission.

When questioned, Alabogha admitted that someone had procured the forged certificate for her but claimed she could not recall the person’s name or contact details. “I don’t remember who got the certificate for me,” she said.

During the trial, the prosecution presented key documents as evidence, including the petition, Alabogha’s employment offer, the forged degree certificate, the NYSC exemption certificate, and the university’s official response confirming the forgery. The court admitted these as exhibits.

However, defense counsel Okechukwu Uju-Azorji objected to Alabogha’s statement, arguing that she was coerced into making it. “My client was forced to make that statement,” he said. He applied for bail, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), and urged the court to grant it under the most favourable terms.

The prosecution opposed the bail request, stating that Alabogha’s employment at NSITF had been terminated, and her current contact address could not be verified. Justice Kezziah Ogbonnaya granted bail with strict conditions, requiring two sureties who must be federal civil servants of at least Grade Level 14 with a minimum of 10 years left in service. Each surety must also provide evidence of ₦3 million in their bank accounts.

Until these conditions are met, Alabogha will remain in custody at Suleja Prison. The case was adjourned until May 12 for trial within trial.

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