The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently arrested a couple in Akwa Ibom for allegedly defrauding thousands of Nigerians out of millions of naira through a fraudulent UNICEF grant scheme.
Mr. Eluyemi Eluwade, the State Commandant of NSCDC in Akwa Ibom, announced the arrests during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Uyo. The couple, Blessing Ezekiel (27) and her husband Joseph Ufot (46), were apprehended on July 22 along IBB Avenue in Uyo following numerous complaints from the public regarding suspected extortion.
Eluwade detailed that the suspects collected money from various individuals, promising them employment, particularly within the state civil service. Ezekiel also operated a fake NGO called the Child Support Foundation, which she falsely claimed was sponsored by UNICEF. She registered about 7,000 children for a non-existent UNICEF grant at N1,000 each.
Additionally, Ezekiel posed as a personal assistant to Dr. Helen Akpan, who she claimed is a Senior Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom governor on Special Duties. The couple allegedly issued employment letters to hundreds of victims after they paid N4,800 each, yet failed to provide any salaries for months, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of their operation.
Eluwade condemned the fraudulent activities, urging job seekers to remain vigilant against such scams during these challenging times.