Recall that in 2020, NECO conducted a nationwide certificate verification exercise, resulting in 89 staff members including Deffi being indicted for using fake certificates.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), has arraigned a former employee of the National Examination Council (NECO), Mrs. Rose Deffi, who was dismissed over allegations of certificate forgery.
The trial of Deffi who was arraigned before Justice G.D. Fwomyon of the Plateau State High Court, was first scheduled for May 30, but was stalled by the defendant's absence in court.
Following her absence in court on May 30, the court ruled that Deffi should be served the charge sheet through substituted means and be produced in court by her lawyer at the next hearing.
However, when the case was called in court, Deffi, who was present in the court, pleaded not guilty to all the seven counts of forgery against her.
Sequel to her plea, the ICPC counsel, Mr. O.G. Iwuagwu, requested another date for the trial's commencement.
While the defense counsel, Mr. P.M. Lere did not oppose the request, he asked the court to consider the bail application for his client.
The ICPC Counsel did not oppose the bail application but requested the court to set conditions, ensuring the defendant's availability for trial.
In his decision, Justice Fwomyon granted Deffi bail at N2 million with two sureties of the same amount.
The judge thereafter adjourned the case till September 26, for trial commencement.
Recall that in 2020, NECO conducted a nationwide certificate verification exercise, resulting in 89 staff members including Deffi being indicted for using fake certificates.
The council’s governing board subsequently approved their dismissals and referred their cases to the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force for prosecution.