EFCC Arrests Syndicate for N22 Million Employment Scam

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended a syndicate of individuals impersonating State House staff in Abuja. The suspects are accused of engaging in criminal conspiracy, false representation, and an employment scam that defrauded victims of a total of N22,350,000 (Twenty-Two Million, Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).

The suspects, identified as Augustine Enamegbai Umogboi, Eleojo Josephine Idakwo, and Kingsley Onuh, were arrested following thorough investigations into multiple petitions from victims. Umogboi, claiming to be a former State House employee, was arrested on June 16, 2024. Idakwo, a purported staff member of the Ministry of Information, was apprehended on April 30, 2024, while Onuh, who recently completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was taken into custody on April 3, 2024. The suspects allegedly used Eljayon Nigeria Limited’s bank account, among others, to collect money from their victims.

Victims’ Accounts of the Scam

Several victims recounted their harrowing experiences in petitions submitted to the EFCC. One petitioner described how Gabriel Kingsley Onuh, in April 2023, informed them about job opportunities at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). With the assistance of Eleojo Josephine Idakwo, who claimed to work at NNPCL, Onuh promised to help Toheeb Adesina and Asabe Gambo secure employment at NNPCL, and Tertindi Reginald Igbayue at FRSC, in exchange for a fee. The fee was to be paid in two installments: an initial payment and a balance due upon the issuance of employment letters and the commencement of credential documentation.

Another petitioner reported that in May 2023, Sunday Omata, another suspect, informed them about the opportunity to apply for a Director General position in the Ministry of Communication. Omata claimed that Eleojo Josephine Idakwo, supposedly from the Presidential Villa, was involved in screening applicants for these high-level positions. The petitioner was asked to pay N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) upfront to initiate the application process, with the assurance that such a significant position required financial facilitation.

EFCC’s Response and Next Steps

The EFCC has received substantial information from the suspects, which will aid in further investigations. The arrested individuals, including the additional suspect Omata Sunday and the company Eljayon Nigeria Limited, are currently assisting the EFCC with crucial information. The EFCC plans to charge the suspects to court upon the conclusion of their investigation, ensuring that justice is served.

The EFCC’s proactive measures in arresting these fraudsters highlight the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria. The Commission urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent further exploitation by fraudulent syndicates. The arrests serve as a reminder of the importance of due diligence and skepticism, especially when dealing with employment opportunities and financial transactions.

Also Court Jails Eight for Internet Fraud in Uyo

The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved a significant victory against cybercrime, securing the conviction of eight internet fraudsters. The sentencing was handed down by Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie at the Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State. The convicted individuals, identified as Abasiofon Daniel Essien (a.k.a Jason Momoa), Gideon Junior, Edikan Ubong, Harrison Chiemelie, Ndifereke Umoh, Christopher Promise, Effiong Wisdom, and Godswill Nsikan, faced charges ranging from criminal impersonation to identity theft and obtaining by false pretense.

Each convict was prosecuted on separate counts, with evidence presented by the EFCC demonstrating their involvement in various fraudulent activities. For instance, Abasiofon Daniel Essien, under the alias Jason Momoa, was found guilty of taking possession of $300 through identity theft, violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. Similarly, Effiong Wisdom, posing as Pamela Randy, fraudulently obtained $170 from Michael Moore via social media. The court found all eight defendants guilty, leading to their conviction and sentencing.

Details of Sentencing and Restitution

Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie sentenced each convict to two years in prison. However, the court provided options for fines in lieu of imprisonment for some of the convicts. Ndifereke Umoh, Christopher Promise, Harrison Chiemelie, and Godswill Nsikan were each given the option to pay a fine of N2 million. Meanwhile, Gideon Junior, Abasiofon Daniel Essien, and Edikan Ubong were offered a fine of N1.5 million, and Effiong Wisdom had the option to pay N1 million. In addition to the fines, restitution was mandated, requiring Essien, Junior, Ubong, and Chiemelie to return amounts ranging from $100 to $300 to their victims.

Moreover, the court ordered the forfeiture of the convicts’ mobile phones, which were instrumental in their fraudulent activities, to the government. This ruling underscores the EFCC’s commitment to curbing cybercrime and ensuring that justice is served. The convicts’ arrests were the result of diligent efforts by the Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC, which continues to be at the forefront of tackling internet fraud in Nigeria. The successful prosecution and sentencing of these fraudsters send a clear message about the consequences of engaging in cybercrime.