By Our Reporter
An Enugu State High Court presided by Justice C. Ani has started the trial of three members of staff of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) over alleged corrupt practices and criminal actions.
Recall that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) on Feb. 3, 2021 in suit no. E/89C/2020 arraigned Mrs Empress Okoro, Godfrey Onwukwe and Agbo Aaron Adibe on a three-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and altering of documents.
Okoro is the Deputy Registrar, Exams Unit of the institution while Onwukwe is a staff in the same unit.
The third defendant, Adibe is a lecturer in the department of Psychology and departmental examination officer at the time of the incident that led to the litigation.
The defendants were alleged to have conspired to alter the Senate approved result of one Chibuike Nwoke which made him fail to honour call-up for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on several occasions.
The offense is said to be contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 473(3) of the same act.
The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At the resumed hearing on April 1, 2021, the investigation officer from the ICPC, Mr James Udom in his testimony narrated his findings to the court and was cross-examined by the defense counsel, Mr M. E. Ajogu (SAN).
The matter was adjourned until May 12 and 13, 2021 for continuation of hearing.
