The Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has dragged former members expelled from the institute to court over impersonation and fraud.

The President of ISPON, Engineer Timothy Iwuagwu in a statement in Uyo said that those expelled were engaged in defrauding unsuspecting victims by offering ISPON training courses and issuance of fake certificates.

Iwuagwu explained that their actions violated the ISPON Act 2014, adding that they are currently facing 10 count criminal charges slammed on them by the federal government.

He warned those indulging in the offensive practices, citing section 14 (1); (2)(a) and (b); (3)(a) and (b) of Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria Act, 2014 (Act No. 2) Published Extraordinary in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 62, VOL. 101.

He said: “They are involved in false claims of professional membership of ISPON, promoting quackery, offering ISPON training courses, defrauding unsuspecting victims and issuance of fake certificates bearing the name of ISPON.

“They have violated the ISPON Act 2024. The offenders are former members, some of who, for fraud and impersonation, are facing 10 Counts of Criminal Charges by Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Also they have willfully refused to subject themselves to the rule of law after unsuccessfully challenging their expulsion at the Law Court. Of note is that they have continued to disobey the various court orders and judgements”.

He admonished transport operators and commuters on the need to observe and obey road safety and other rules.

Iwuagwu wished all Muslims safety during and after the Eid-El-Kabir festivities while urging Nigerians to change their attitude to safety matters. 

“The Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria ISPON assures Nigerians that the preponderance of incidents of accident, injury, illness and death due to increased unsafe acts and unsafe conditions can be reasonably reduced through attitudinal change”, he said.