A former Youth Corps Member (NYSC) in Ibadan, Oyo State, has been sentenced to jail for a criminal offence. Ukanwa Ikechuwuku, who passed out of National Service in February 2023, was accused of defrauding a woman at the police clinic where he served.
According to the NYSC Management in Oyo State, Ikechuwuku collected a sum of Two Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand naira from the woman to purchase a physiotherapy machine but failed to deliver the machine. Despite several attempts by the woman to get a refund of her money, Ikechuwuku did not comply, and the woman charged him in court for a criminal offence.
In response to the incident, the NYSC Management in Oyo State issued a statement emphasizing that the NYSC uniform does not provide immunity against any form of criminality and reminding all Corps Members to adhere strictly to the core values of the NYSC Scheme in all their transactions.
The Director of Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, urged Corps Members to be of good and to conduct themselves responsibly in their service year. The statement serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their status, is subject to the laws of the Federation.
The case of Ukanwa Ikechuwuku highlights the need for individuals, especially those in positions of trust, to act with integrity and honesty. The NYSC Management’s swift response to the incident sends a strong message to all Corps Members that unethical behaviour will not be tolerated, and anyone who violates the law will face the consequences.