A shocking job scam, amounting to millions of Naira, has been uncovered in Katsina State, implicating a sitting magistrate and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The scam promised fake job opportunities within the NSCDC, defrauding numerous victims, including a retired military officer.
One of the victims, Major Yunusa Lawal (RTD), reported that a Deputy Commandant (name withheld) collected N2.2 million under the false pretense of securing jobs for his six children.
The officer had assured him that the job offers would be finalized by January 2024, but after months of waiting and incurring additional costs, the promised jobs failed to materialize.
“I spent an extra N1.9 million for hotel accommodation, feeding, and transportation in Abuja, but the promised jobs did not come through, and my money was not refunded,” Maj. Yunusa said.
Following his complaint, investigations revealed that the accused had defrauded at least 17 other individuals, collecting sums ranging from N450,000 to N1 million, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the position they sought.
A senior security officer confirmed the accused’s history of similar fraudulent activities.
Adding to the complexity, there are allegations that a local magistrate played a role in assuring victims of the legitimacy of the job offers.
The accused NSCDC officer admitted to collecting money but denied knowledge of the broader scam, blaming the magistrate for orchestrating the fraud.
He claimed to have transferred N6.62 million to the magistrate’s bank account in exchange for employment letters, which, however, never materialized.
Efforts to secure arrest warrants have reportedly been obstructed by the suspects’ influential connections, including ties to politicians.
A police officer expressed frustration over the delays, stating: “Nobody is above the law. Why is it so difficult to get justice?”
In addition to the NSCDC officer, a formal complaint has been filed against the magistrate, alleging that he extorted N6.25 million from 20 individuals, claiming he could secure jobs for them in Abuja.
Despite repeated promises, no job offers were made, leading to a formal complaint to the NSCDC.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Zone 14, CSP Isah Gambo, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing but noted that the magistrate has yet to cooperate with authorities.
Victims of the scam are now calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the roles played by the NSCDC officer, the magistrate, and their associates in this widespread fraudulent scheme.
