Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have successfully apprehended a syndicate of individuals posing as State House staff in Abuja. These individuals are accused of engaging in criminal conspiracy, false representation, and an elaborate employment scam that has defrauded numerous victims.
Arrest and Investigation
The EFCC’s Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, made this announcement in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja. According to Oyewale, the operatives of the commission arrested the suspects separately after conducting a thorough investigation based on petitions submitted by the victims. These victims had been promised lucrative jobs in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) by the suspects.
Promises of High-Ranking Positions
The suspects allegedly promised the victims high-ranking positions such as “Director-General” at the Ministry of Communication, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other prominent ministries. These promises were part of a well-orchestrated scheme to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals seeking employment.
List of Suspects
The EFCC spokesperson provided a detailed list of the suspects involved in this fraudulent activity. The suspects include:
- Augustine Umogboi: Claimed to be a former staff member of the State House.
- Eleojo Idakwo: Posed as a staff member of the Ministry of Information in the Registry Unit.
- Kingsley Onuh: Claimed to have recently completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
- Omata Sunday: Another key member of the syndicate.
- Eljayon Nigeria Limited: One of the companies used by the syndicate to receive money from their victims.
Modus Operandi
The suspects employed various tactics to carry out their fraudulent activities. They used different bank account numbers from various banks to receive money from their victims. The total amount of money collected from the victims amounted to a staggering N22,350,000. This elaborate scheme involved multiple transactions and accounts to avoid detection.
Arrest Dates
The EFCC operatives arrested the suspects on different dates as part of their ongoing investigation. Augustine Umogboi was apprehended on June 16, while Eleojo Idakwo was arrested on April 30, 2024. Kingsley Onuh was taken into custody on April 3. These arrests were made possible through the diligent efforts of the EFCC operatives who meticulously tracked down the suspects.
Victims’ Ordeal
The victims of this employment scam have shared their harrowing experiences in a series of petitions submitted to the EFCC. They recounted how they were lured into the scheme with promises of high-paying jobs and prestigious positions. Many of them had invested significant amounts of money, hoping to secure these positions, only to realize that they had been deceived.
EFCC’s Response
The EFCC has assured the public that the suspects have provided useful information during the investigation. The commission is committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the victims receive the necessary support. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation, and the EFCC is determined to see that they face the full extent of the law.
Conclusion
The arrest of this syndicate of fake State House staff is a significant achievement for the EFCC. It highlights the commission’s dedication to combating financial crimes and protecting innocent citizens from fraudulent schemes. The EFCC continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. This case serves as a reminder that the EFCC is committed to upholding justice and ensuring that those who engage in criminal activities are held accountable for their actions.
