“NSCDC Nabs Couple in Akwa Ibom Over Alleged Job Scam”

Babatunji Wusu –

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the arrest of a couple in Akwa Ibom State for defrauding thousands of Nigerians and swindling millions of naira.

Mr. Eluyemi Eluwade, the State Commandant of NSCDC, revealed the details of the arrest during a briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Uyo on Saturday. The couple was apprehended on Monday, July 22, along IBB Avenue in Uyo, following public complaints about their fraudulent activities. They had been accused of extorting large sums of money from individuals by promising them jobs in the state civil service.

The suspects, Blessing Ezekiel, aged 27, and her husband Joseph Ufot, 46, reportedly collected money from various individuals under the pretense of securing employment opportunities.

Eluwade explained that Ezekiel had also operated a fake NGO, the Child Support Foundation, which she falsely claimed was sponsored by UNICEF. She registered about 7,000 children at a fee of N1,000 each for a non-existent UNICEF grant.

Additionally, Ezekiel allegedly impersonated a Personal Assistant to Dr. Helen Akpan, whom she falsely claimed was the Senior Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom Governor on Special Duties. She issued employment letters to numerous unsuspecting victims after they paid N4,800, but these positions did not come with actual salaries, leading to suspicions of a scam.

Eluwade condemned the fraudulent activities as criminal and warned job seekers to be cautious of employment scams. He emphasized that recruitment into any organization, whether public or private, should be free of charge. He advised citizens to verify job offers by visiting government offices or checking the websites of organizations and to treat any demand for payment as a red flag.

The Commandant assured that the suspects would be charged in court once investigations are completed.