House of Reps Approve 10-Year Security Protection For Journalist Who Exposed Certificate Racketeering in Benin Republic
The House of Representatives has granted a 10-year security protection to investigative journalist Umar Audu after his exposé on a widespread certificate racketeering network operating in the Benin Republic.
Audu’s undercover investigation revealed a syndicate that sells fraudulent university certificates to Nigerians, many of which are then illicitly cleared by government agencies, including the Ministry of Education.
The joint House Committees on University, Polytechnic, Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Youth Development are actively probing the scandal, according to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria.
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Rep. Abubakar Fulata, Chairman of the Committee, announced the security directive and called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to ensure Audu’s safety over the next ten years.
“We appreciate Umar Audu’s bravery and urge the Minister of Interior to ensure Civil Defence and police support his protection,” Fulata said.
In his testimony, Audu explained how he obtained a Benin Republic university degree without attending any classes and successfully had it cleared by the Ministry of Education for a fee of N40,000.
Responding to the investigation, Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for an automated, centralized verification system to eliminate such fraud, apologizing to Nigerians for past lapses.
The Ministry of Education, represented by Mrs. Larai Ahmed, confirmed reforms in the department responsible for certificate clearance to prevent future breaches.
NYSC Director-General Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu also testified, revealing that biometric verification has now been introduced to authenticate certificates for prospective corps members. He assured that stronger measures are underway to stop such anomalies from recurring.
The House committee remains committed to completing its investigation and implementing reforms to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s education and public service systems.
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