NSCDC Officer Faces Probe Over Alleged Certificate Forgery, Irregular Career Advancement
A senior officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Appolos Dandaura, is currently under investigation following allegations that he forged academic credentials to secure employment and benefit from irregular promotions within the service.
The allegations, which have sparked renewed debate about integrity within Nigeria’s security architecture, were contained in a petition submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) by a human rights lawyer, Joseph Aliu.
Petition Raises Serious Questions Over Credentials
According to details obtained by Akahi News, the petition dated December 23, 2025, accuses Dandaura — a Commandant attached to the Intelligence Squad under the office of the Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi — of presenting questionable academic documents during his recruitment and subsequent career progression.
Aliu alleged that Dandaura used forged certificates to gain entry into the NSCDC and to climb the ranks, describing the matter as one that poses “grave concerns for national security and institutional integrity.”
Attached to the petition were copies of academic statements of results purportedly issued by the Nasarawa State College of Agriculture. These documents were marked as exhibits for the ICPC’s consideration.
Questions Over University of Calabar Certificate
The petition further included a purported certificate allegedly issued by the University of Calabar in Dandaura’s name. However, the document reportedly lacks a matriculation number — a detail the petitioner described as inconsistent with standard academic records from the institution.
According to Aliu, this discrepancy raises serious red flags and warrants a thorough forensic and administrative investigation by anti-graft authorities.
Akahi News gathered that the petitioner believes the matter goes beyond personal misconduct, warning that unchecked credential falsification within security agencies could undermine discipline, professionalism, and public trust.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
Invoking the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, the petitioner formally requested the ICPC to obtain and release certified true copies of all academic certificates submitted by Dandaura at the point of recruitment into the NSCDC.
He also demanded access to certified records of the officer’s career progression, including promotion letters and service history, to establish whether due process was followed throughout his advancement in the corps.
Aliu reportedly cautioned that failure by the anti-graft agency to act or disclose the requested records would be interpreted as obstruction of justice, adding that legal action would be pursued if necessary to protect public interest.
Implications for Institutional Integrity
Security analysts say the case, if proven, could have far-reaching implications for internal vetting processes within paramilitary agencies. Observers note that allowing officers to rise through the ranks on questionable credentials could weaken command structures and erode confidence in security institutions.
While the NSCDC has yet to issue an official response, Akahi News learnt that the matter is being closely monitored within security circles, given its potential impact on public trust and operational credibility.
Awaiting Official Response
As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC has not publicly confirmed whether a formal investigation has commenced. Efforts to reach the NSCDC for comment were unsuccessful.
The case now places renewed attention on the importance of transparency, accountability, and strict verification processes within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies.
Akahi News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more details emerge.
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