ICPC Re-Arraigns Professor David Iornem, Others Over Certificate Racketeering, Money Laundering

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has re-arraigned Professor David Iornem and two others before Justice P.O. Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on an amended 14-count charge bordering on certificate racketeering and money laundering.

The case, which began in 2013, is being heard de novo following the elevation of the former trial judge, Justice A.R. Mohammed, to the Court of Appeal.

At the resumed hearing, ICPC’s prosecution counsel, David Nwaze, informed the court of the Commission’s readiness to proceed with the re-arraignment and commence trial, presenting two witnesses who were present in court.

Professor Iornem pleaded not guilty to the 12 counts against him.

He also entered a not-guilty plea on behalf of Island Open University Inc. and Commonwealth University Inc., the 2nd and 3rd defendants, respectively, for counts 13 and 14.

Key Charges

One of the charges against Iornem alleged that he conspired with others to defraud individuals by falsely advertising admissions into Commonwealth University Belize, a purported foreign university, while knowing it was neither accredited nor authorized to operate in Belize.

Count 13 accused Island Open University Inc. of laundering £11,000 to acquire a two-bedroom flat in London, knowing the funds were proceeds of illegal activities involving unaccredited degree awards.

Bail Conditions

The defendants’ counsel, Felix Tyokase, requested bail on the terms granted under the previous judge.

Justice Lifu granted the request but significantly tightened the conditions. Bail was set at ₦20 million, with two sureties, one of whom must be a civil servant not below level 14.

Witness Testimony

The first prosecution witness, Mr. Chidi Orji, an ICPC staff member, testified about the investigation launched following a petition from the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Orji explained that the petition was part of a partnership between the NUC and ICPC to crack down on illegal degree-awarding institutions. As part of the investigation, he posed as a prospective degree seeker under the alias Jamilu Rabiu Sani, paying $800 to the 3rd defendant as an application fee.

This operation eventually led to the arrest of a staff member of the 3rd defendant.

During cross-examination, defense counsel Felix Tyokase argued that the institutions involved were not listed among illegal universities submitted to ICPC by the NUC at the time.

Orji countered that ICPC could investigate institutions regardless of their inclusion on the list if a complaint was received.

Next Hearing

Justice Lifu adjourned the case to March 4, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.