Mrs. Rose Deffi, a former employee of the National Examination Council (NECO) dismissed over allegations of certificate forgery, has been arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The trial, initially scheduled for May 30, 2024, before Honourable Justice G.D. Fwomyon at the Plateau State High Court, was delayed due to the defendant’s absence. The court ordered that Mrs. Deffi be served the charge sheet through substituted means and required her presence at the next hearing, facilitated by her lawyer.
On Friday, Mrs. Deffi appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to all seven counts of forgery leveled against her. ICPC counsel Mr. O.G. Iwuagwu requested a new trial date following her plea, while defense counsel Mr. P.M. Lere, while not opposing the request, sought bail for his client.
Mr. Iwuagwu did not object to bail but urged the court to impose conditions ensuring Mrs. Deffi’s presence for trial. Presiding Judge Justice Fwomyon granted bail set at N2 million with two sureties of equal amount, scheduling the trial to commence on September 26, 2024.
In 2020, NECO conducted a nationwide certificate verification exercise, resulting in the dismissal of 89 staff members for using forged certificates. The ICPC and Nigerian Police were subsequently tasked with prosecuting these cases following approval by the Council’s Governing Board.
