Multi-million-naira job scam involving NSCDC officer, Magistrate uncovered in Katsina
A shocking multi-million Naira job scam implicating a sitting magistrate and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has been uncovered in Katsina State.
The scam, which involved the fraudulent promise of employment within the NSCDC, has defrauded many Nigerians, including a retired military officer, of significant amounts of money.
One of the victims, Maj. Yunusa Lawal (RTD), accused a Deputy Commandant (names withheld), of collecting N2.2 million under the false promise of securing jobs for his six children.
The agreement was for the accused to provide employment letters by January 2024, but after months of waiting in Abuja and incurring additional expenses, the promised jobs never materialized.
“I incurred additional expenses of N1.9 million for their hotel, feeding, and transportation, but despite all efforts, my money was not refunded, and my children did not get the promised employment,” Maj. Yunusa explained.
Following his complaint, an investigation revealed that the accused had allegedly defrauded at least 17 other individuals in a similar manner, collecting varying sums of money for job promises.
“It was reported that the amounts ranged from N450,000 to N1 million, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and desired position.
A high-ranking security officer confirmed that the accused had a history of such fraudulent activities.
“There are numerous complaints against him,” the officer revealed, expressing frustration that the alleged fraudsters have yet to face justice.
Adding to the complexity of the scandal, there are claims that a magistrate played a key role in convincing the victims of the job offers’ legitimacy.
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Meanwhile, the accused admitted to collecting money but denied knowledge of the scam, blaming the magistrate for orchestrating the fraud.
He allegedly sent N6.62 million of the collected funds to the magistrate’s bank account in anticipation of securing the employment letters, but the jobs never materialized.
Efforts to secure arrest warrants for those involved in the scam have reportedly been hindered by their connections with influential figures, including politicians.
A police officer expressed frustration over the obstructions: “Nobody is above the law. Why are they making this so difficult?”
Meanwhile, a complaint filed against the magistrate alleges that he extorted N6.25 million from 20 individuals under the guise of securing jobs at the FCT, Abuja.
Despite repeated promises, the victims received no employment offers, prompting the formal complaint to the NSCDC.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Zone 14, CSP Isah Gambo, confirmed the ongoing investigation but noted that the magistrate has not yet cooperated with authorities.
The victims are now demanding a thorough and unbiased investigation into the roles played by DC, magistrate, and their associates in this extensive job scam.
