Prof. Godwin Ojo Igbinoba has been re-arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on three counts of degree peddling, forgery, and obtaining money under false pretenses. The charges were presented before Justice A. N. Erhabor of the Edo State High Court.
Igbinoba is accused of unlawfully awarding academic degrees and national diplomas through unaccredited institutions, specifically the Association of Professional Examination Board and the Association of Corporation of Chartered Secretaries, both based in Benin City. The first count alleges that Igbinoba issued Bachelor of Science degrees and national diplomas without the necessary approval from key regulatory bodies like the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
In the second charge, Igbinoba is accused of forging a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate for one Mr. Osian Jude Tony, dated March 12, 2018. This alleged act of forgery is a violation of Section 465 and is punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code Act.
The third charge alleges that Igbinoba fraudulently obtained money from students by falsely representing that the institutions he was affiliated with offered accredited programmes. The students, unaware that the certificates were not officially recognized, paid tuition fees into accounts linked to these institutions.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Prof. Godwin (M), sometime between October 2007 and March 2018, at the Association of Professional Examination Board and Association of Corporation of Chartered Secretaries, located at 144 Ikpoba Slope, Benin City, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, falsely assumed authority to award school certificates, Bachelor of Science Degrees, and National Diplomas when the institution did not have the approval of the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education, or the accreditation of the National Universities Commission to conduct courses, offer certifications, or grant degrees.”
Igbinoba appeared in court in person, represented by his legal counsel, Mrs. P.E. Chukwu, while D.N. Okoro from the ICPC Legal Unit, Edo State Office, handled the prosecution. The case had previously been before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, but due to reassignment, it was moved to Justice Erhabor, requiring the trial to restart.
Igbinoba pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense counsel requested that the previously granted bail conditions remain in place, which the court approved.
The case was adjourned to May 19, 2025, for further hearing.
Saharareporter
