The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a couple in Akwa Ibom for defrauding thousands of Nigerians of millions of naira in the name of offering them employment.
The State Commandant of NSCDC in Akwa Ibom, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this on Saturday while briefing newsmen at the Command’s headquarters in Uyo.
Eluwade said that the arrest was made on Monday, July 22, along IBB Avenue in Uyo following complain from members of public about suspects fraudulent extortion of huge sums of money with promise to offer them employment into the state civil service.
He said that the suspects Blessing Ezekiel – 27 years (f) and her husband Joseph Ufot – 46 years (m) collected money from various persons with promise of offering them employment.
“Furthermore, the suspect, Ezekiel also used a fake NGO – Child Support Foundation, which she claimed was sponsored by UNICEF to register about 7, 000 children at N1, 000 each for a supposed UNICEF children grant, which turned out to be a scam.
“Ezekiel claimed to be a Personal Assistant to one Dr Helen Akpan, who she claimed is an SSA to Akwa Ibom Governor on Special Duties.
“She also allegedly offered employment letters to hundreds of unsuspecting victims after paying N4, 800, but without salaries for months, which led them to question her project as scam,” Eluwade said.
Eluwade, who condemned the act as criminal to defraud unsuspecting persons in this hard times, appealed to job seekers to be wary of employment scams.
The state commandant reminded Nigerians that recruitment into any organisation in the country, government and private is free, advising that citizens should desist from paying for jobs.
He urged citizens seeking employment to visit government offices or check websites of organisations to verify, if they are recruiting and take demand for money as red flag.
The Commandant assured the victims that the suspects will be charged to Court, as soon as investigations are concluded.
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