Alleged Job Scam: NSCDC Detains Couple in Akwa Ibom

NSCDC detains a couple in Akwa Ibom over an alleged job scam. Read about the investigation and the charges they face.

On Saturday at the NSCDC Command headquarters in Uyo, Mr. Eluyemi Eluwade – State Commandant of NSCDC revealed this information while addressing journalists.

On Monday, July 22nd, an arrest was made by Eluwade on IBB Avenue in Uyo. Complaints from the public about a suspect fraudulently extorting large sums of money with false promises to provide employment in state civil service led to this action.

According to him, Blessing Ezekiel, 27 years old and her husband Joseph Ufot aged 46, received money from multiple individuals by assuring them of employment opportunities.

In addition, Ezekiel, the suspect also utilized a counterfeit NGO called Child Support Foundation. She alleged that this foundation was funded by UNICEF and used it to enroll roughly 7,000 kids at N1,000 each for an anticipated grant aimed towards children from UNICEF. Unfortunately, this donation proved to be fraudulent.

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According to Ezekiel, she was a Personal Assistant to Dr. Helen Akpan, who holds the position of SSA on Special Duties for the Governor of Akwa Ibom.

It is purported that she provided employment letters to numerous innocent individuals who paid N4,800; however, they did not receive any compensation for several months which caused them to doubt the legitimacy of her initiative.

Eluwade denounced the criminal act of deceiving innocent individuals during these difficult times and advised job seekers to exercise caution when approached with fraudulent employment opportunities.

Nigerians were reminded by the state commandant that employment opportunities in both public and private organizations throughout the country are offered without cost, and as such citizens should refrain from providing monetary compensation for job placements.

He advised job seekers to visit government offices or organization websites to confirm if they are hiring, and cautioned against considering requests for money as a warning sign.

The victims were given assurance by the Commandant that as soon as investigations concluded, charges would be pressed against the suspects in court.