Senate amends ICPC Act, slams 2 year-jail term on false petitioners

The Senate Tuesday passed an amendment to the Act establishing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. 

This followed the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes chaired by Senator Suleiman Abdu Kwari.

Key among the provisions is the amendment to section 25 of the Act which slams two-year imprisonment with no option of fine on anyone whose petitions to the commission is found to be false or intended to mislead. 

In the principal act, the offence of false petition attracts a fine of N100,000. 

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The amendment in section (25) (1) says Any person who makes or cause any other person to make to an officer of the commission…any statement which to the knowledge of the person making the statement, or causing the statement to be made is false, or intended to mislead shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two (2) years.