The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a one-year prison sentence against a Policeman, Sgt. Abba Peter, for demanding a bribe of N50,000 in order to quash an investigation of criminal breach of trust against a citizen (name withheld) that was pending at the Metro Police Station, Abuja.
In Charge No. PLD/J/23C/2007 Sgt. Peter was arraigned before Honourable Justice M.I. Sirajo of High Court 6, Jos, Plateau State, on a 4-count charge bordering on corrupt demand and using his office for gratification. His corrupt demands contravened Sections 10 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The convict was arrested by operatives of ICPC in a sting operation after the petitioner had reported his corrupt demand and was given marked money to give him. Sgt. Peter was caught red-handed with the marked money and arrested.
Delivering judgment, Justice Sirajo found the accused guilty and sentenced him to one year imprisonment on counts 1 and 2, with an option of fine of N50,000 on each count. However on count 3, he was sentenced to one year imprisonment without any option of fine. On Count 4 the accused was discharged and acquitted as the court stated that the prosecution could not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.