The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has moved to arraign Anita Anurika Odom, a senior official with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), following allegations of academic certificate forgery.

The anti-graft agency has approached the FCT High Court in Nyanya, presided over by Justice Ashafa, to secure a commencement date for the trial. Ms. Odom, a Level 13 officer attached to the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), faces a four-count charge bordering on the falsification of credentials used to secure her employment in 2009.

Allegations and Investigation

According to court filings and investigative reports, the ICPC alleges that Ms. Odom forged a Bachelor’s degree in Political and Administrative Studies from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), as well as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

Evidence obtained by the commission includes:

UNIPORT Verification: An August 2023 affidavit from the university confirming that while Ms. Odom was once a student, she did not graduate from the institution.

NYSC Disclaimer: An official response from the NYSC denying the issuance of the certificate presented by the defendant.

The ICPC contends that these documents were instrumental in her appointment as an Administrative Officer II in 2009 and her subsequent promotion to Assistant Chief Administrative Officer.

Legal Maneuvers and Evasion

The case has been marked by several attempts to stall legal proceedings. Sources indicate that Ms. Odom previously filed a civil suit at a Magistrate Court seeking to restrain the ICPC from investigating or prosecuting her, alleging harassment. However, the Magistrate dismissed the suit after the ICPC presented evidence of the ongoing criminal matter at the High Court.

Furthermore, reports suggest that the defendant evaded arrest in Owerri, Imo State, in March after failing to honor multiple invitations. There are also allegations that high-ranking and retired security officials have attempted to intervene or pressure prosecutors to drop the charges.

Official Response

ICPC spokesperson, Okor Odey, confirmed that the prosecution remains on track and dismissed claims that the matter had been suppressed.

"The prosecution is still on, and we have a watertight case," Odey stated. "The commission is waiting for the court to give a date for proper arraignment. The matter was not swept under the carpet."

The charges against Ms. Odom are brought under Section 364 of the Penal Code Act 2000. If convicted, the defendant faces significant legal penalties for the alleged forgeries that have sustained her sixteen-year career within the FCT civil service.