- The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) charged a Ministry of Labour and Employment official, Sabo for job racketeering
- Sabo allegedly promised to secure employment for John Daniel in the Federal Civil Service Commission
- Justice Mayana set bail at ₦20 million, with sureties required to confirm legitimate income
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned Takat Williams Sabo, a Ministry of Labour and Employment official, on charges of job racketeering.
Sabo appeared before Justice S. M. Mayana at the Federal Capital Territory High Court 43 in Apo, Abuja, on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
ICPC charges Sabo with defrauding job seeker of ₦800,000
He faced a two-count charge of defrauding a job seeker, John Daniel, of ₦800,000 by falsely promising to secure employment for him in the Federal Civil Service Commission.
ICPC counsel Agbili Ezenwa Kingsley informed the court that Sabo, while serving as a public officer in June 2021, allegedly obtained the money through an intermediary, Kyauta Mohammed, using his position to gain a corrupt advantage.
The charges violated Sections 18 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, of 2000. Sabo pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
His defence counsel, O. I. Aneneh, applied for bail, assuring the court of Sabo's commitment to attend the trial. The ICPC did not oppose the bail but requested strict conditions to ensure Sabo’s appearance in court.
Court grants Sabo ₦20 million bail with strict conditions
Justice Mayana granted Sabo bail for ₦20 million, with two sureties who must reside within the court's jurisdiction and provide affidavits confirming their legitimate sources of income.
The charges against him read, “That you, Takat Williams Sabo (M), sometime in June 2021, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while serving as a public officer at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, accepted N800,000 as gratification from John Daniel for recruitment into the Federal Civil Service Commission.”
According to the charge sheet, the second count reads, “That you, Takat Williams Sabo (M), in June 2021, used your position to confer a corrupt advantage upon yourself by receiving ₦800,000 from John Daniel through Kyauta Mohammed for recruitment into the Federal Civil Service Commission.”
The case was adjourned to April 10, 2025, for trial.
Governor Abiodun orders refund of N10,000 paid by job applicants in Ogun State
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Ogun State Government came under fire for asking job applicants to pay N10,000 for an application form for employment in the civil service.
According to the report, Nigerians reacted and commended the governor for stepping into the situation.