Fake State House Staff Arrested in Abuja for Employment Scam
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a syndicate of fake State House staff in Abuja for alleged criminal conspiracy, false representation, and employment scams. The suspects were taken into custody following investigations prompted by multiple petitions from victims who were promised jobs as “Directors General” in various ministries, including the Ministry of Communication and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
The suspects include Augustine Enamegbai Umogboi, who claimed to be a former State House employee, Eleojo Josephine Idakwo, who falsely represented herself as a staff member of the Ministry of Information, and Kingsley Onuh, who alleged that he had recently completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Others arrested include Omata Sunday and Eljayon Nigeria Limited, a company implicated in receiving funds from the victims.
Through various bank accounts, the syndicate is accused of defrauding victims out of a total of N22,350,000 (Twenty-Two Million, Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). Umogboi was arrested on June 16, 2024, Idakwo on April 30, 2024, and Onuh on April 3, 2024.
Victims recounted their harrowing experiences in petitions submitted to the EFCC. One victim detailed a situation where Onuh informed clients about job openings at NNPCL and FRSC, promising employment assistance in exchange for payment. It was agreed that fees would be paid in two installments—an initial payment and a final payment once the employment letters were issued.
Another victim reported being approached by Sunday Omata, who claimed that Idakwo, operating from the Presidential Villa, was responsible for screening applicants for “Directors General” positions. This victim was asked to pay N5,000,000 to initiate the process, with continued requests for additional funds following the initial payment.
The suspects have provided valuable information to the EFCC and are expected to face charges in court once the investigation is complete.