The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi has sentenced Mr. Martins Ugwu to a four-year jail term for impersonation and fraud.
Ugwu, who used the medical certificate of his best friend, Dr. George Daniel Davidson, to secure employment at the Federal Ministry of Health, was convicted on seven counts brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The ICPC had revealed that Ugwu used the forged certificate to gain employment in 2006 and worked as a medical doctor for 10 years, earning ₦17.2 million in salaries and allowances.
His fraudulent activities included obtaining a staff identity card, applying for annual leave, and enrolling in a postgraduate program in Epidemiology Practice.

In 2016, the ICPC charged Ugwu under Section 25 (1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The charges included making false statements to the Federal Civil Service Commission to gain employment, a crime punishable under Section 25 (1)(b) of the same act.

During the sentencing hearing on Tuesday in Abuja, ICPC Counsel Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha called for the restitution of all funds Ugwu earned fraudulently.
He cited Sections 319 and 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to support the request for recovery of public funds.

Presiding over the case, Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi described Ugwu’s actions as a dangerous form of malpractice, highlighting the risks posed by quack doctors to public safety.
He sentenced Ugwu to six months imprisonment on each of the seven counts, to run consecutively, amounting to a total of four years and two months

In addition, the court ordered Ugwu to refund the ₦17.2 million he earned during his fraudulent tenure.
Failure to comply with the restitution order would result in an additional one-year prison term.
Justice Kutigi emphasized that the judgment should serve as a deterrent to others engaging in impersonation and fraudulent practices, particularly in sensitive fields such as medicine.

“This case underscores the critical need for integrity in professional certifications and public service,” he stated, adding that strict enforcement of laws is essential to maintain public trust and safety.

The ICPC welcomed the ruling, reiterating its commitment to eradicating corruption and protecting the integrity of public institutions.

A 23-year-old robbery suspect, Godwin Emmanuel, has confessed to stealing a police officer’s phone while being transported in a patrol van to the Osun State Police Command. Emmanuel, along with suspects Olajide Kareem (28) and Emmanuel Mike (33), was arrested for allegedly robbing motorists on the Ilesa-Osu Expressway.

The Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, provided details on Friday, revealing that the suspects had been targeting drivers and passengers, stealing valuables, and in one incident, shooting a bus driver in the leg. The driver was rushed to Seventh-day Adventist Hospital in Ile-Ife for treatment. Kareem was caught hiding in the bush shortly after one of the robberies, admitting he was part of a five-man gang from Ikorodu, Lagos State. Police later detained the other two suspects.

In an unexpected turn, Emmanuel confessed to swiping a phone from one of the officers escorting him. He said, “I didn’t know the phone belonged to a policeman. I took it because I wanted to contact my family, who didn’t know I’d been arrested.” Emmanuel admitted to removing the SIM card and hiding the phone in his cell until officers discovered it during a search.

“I ask them to forgive me. I didn’t mean any harm,” he pleaded, expressing regret over the incident.

The Osun State Police Command noted that investigations are still ongoing and reiterated its commitment to curbing criminal activities and ensuring public safety.

The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that the newly emerged terrorist group, Lukarawa, has begun recruiting members via social media platforms, but reassured Nigerians that security forces are aware of the situation and are taking steps to prevent the group from gaining ground.
The group is believed to be operating in the northern states of Sokoto and Kebbi, areas that have seen a rise in violent incidents linked to the group.
According to Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Media Operations at the DHQ, *Lukarawa* has recently escalated its activities by using social media to attract new recruits, primarily targeting young people with sermons and welfare incentives. This marks a shift in the group’s recruitment strategy, which has traditionally been more localized.
“The group has started utilizing online platforms, showcasing sermons and offering welfare packages to entice potential recruits,” Buba explained. “However, we are fully aware of their plans, and our forces are actively working with other security agencies and state governments to counter their efforts.”

Lukarawa;s presence has been particularly felt in Sokoto and Kebbi states, where they have carried out a series of attacks. The latest incident occurred in Mera town, Kebbi State, on Friday, when militants attacked during the Friday Jumaat prayers, killing at least 15 people and stealing over 100 cattle. The violence has left communities shaken and has raised concerns over the group’s growing presence in the region.

While *Lukarawa* is being described as a new group, former Department of State Services (DSS) Director Mike Ejiofor noted that the group has actually been active since 2018, initially operating in the Niger Republic. The group was reportedly formed by a local leader named Nassala, and after his death, the group moved into Nigeria, with some elements settling in Sokoto.

Ejiofor suggested that the group, despite its recent spike in visibility, does not currently pose a serious national security threat. “Although they have been operating in the region for some time, their numbers are still small, and they have not grown to the point where they can pose a significant threat to national security,” he said. “Our intelligence agencies have been monitoring their activities closely.”

The former DSS director also highlighted that the group’s recruitment efforts could be countered through stronger intelligence operations and greater cooperation from local communities. He stressed the need for residents to report any suspicious activities to security agencies to prevent the group from gaining further traction.

“This group is still small, but we cannot afford to be complacent,” Ejiofor said. “The community has a vital role to play in supporting security efforts. Reporting suspicious movements and activities is key to stopping these groups from spreading.”

In response to growing concerns, the DHQ has reassured the public that security forces are monitoring the situation and will take all necessary measures to protect lives and property. The military has also called on local communities to cooperate fully, as the fight against insurgent groups requires a united front.

The emergence of Lukarawa serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges in the northern regions of Nigeria, where various groups continue to exploit local grievances and instability. While the DHQ remains confident in its ability to contain the group, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any signs of extremist activities.