Police in Delta State have arrested three men suspected of defrauding a community leader of ₦5.475 million by allegedly impersonating senior government officials and promising to secure an appointment for him. The case highlights how fraudsters exploit fake phone identities, WhatsApp profiles and the names of public officeholders to deceive victims seeking government appointments and other privileges.
According to reports, the suspects allegedly posed as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and aides to the Delta State Governor. The arrests have renewed calls for Nigerians to verify appointment offers through official channels and avoid paying money to individuals claiming they can secure government positions.
Key Highlights
- Three men were arrested in Delta State over an alleged ₦5.475 million appointment scam.
- The suspects allegedly impersonated the SGF and aides to the Delta State Governor.
- Police reportedly recovered mobile phones, 17 SIM cards, ATM cards and a Point-of-Sale terminal.
- Fraudsters use fake WhatsApp profiles, caller-ID applications and false official identities to gain victims’ trust.
- Nigerians are advised to verify appointment offers independently and reject requests for upfront payments.
How the Delta State Appointment Scam Allegedly Worked
The suspects were identified in reports as Aghogho Okpogbodu, 51; Moses Exist, 48; and Benjamin Owah, 49.
According to the Delta State Police Command, the men allegedly targeted a community leader in Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area, with a promise to help secure his appointment as president-general of the community.
Investigators alleged that the suspects used SIM cards registered under the names of prominent officials, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, the Delta State Governor’s Director of Protocol, Chief Hon. Onoriode Sunday, and the governor’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo.
They allegedly used caller-identification applications to make their calls appear to originate from the officials they were impersonating.
In one transaction, the suspects reportedly collected ₦5.475 million after allegedly posing as the governor’s Director of Protocol.
Police reportedly recovered seven mobile phones, 17 SIM cards, 12 ATM cards bearing different names, a Point-of-Sale terminal and documents containing financial and identification information.
Police Commissioner Samuel E. Erale warned members of the public against treating caller-ID applications as reliable proof of a caller’s identity, particularly when money or official appointments are involved.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process.
Fake Government Appointments: A Recurring Fraud Pattern
The use of public officials’ names to solicit money for fictitious appointments is not new in Nigeria.
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has previously warned Nigerians about fraudsters allegedly using the SGF’s name and office to solicit CVs and payments for non-existent federal appointments.
Warnings issued in December 2023 and January 2024 addressed fake appointment offers and impersonation attempts. The office urged the public to rely on its official communication channels rather than messages or calls from unverified individuals.
Similar schemes have allegedly involved promises of government jobs, board appointments, contracts and community leadership positions in exchange for so-called processing or facilitation fees.
The recurring nature of these scams shows how criminals exploit public trust in government institutions and the desire of some Nigerians to secure employment, contracts or positions of influence.
Common Tactics Used in Impersonation Scams
Fraudsters often combine several methods to make their schemes appear genuine.
1. Fake phone identities: Criminals may use SIM cards registered under other people’s names or caller-ID applications that display a selected name when making calls.
2. WhatsApp impersonation: Scammers may create profiles using an official’s name, photograph, job title or other publicly available information to convince victims they are communicating with a genuine government representative.
3. Pressure to pay quickly: Victims may be told that an appointment or opportunity is limited and that immediate payment is required to secure it.
4. Fake official documents: Fraudsters may circulate fabricated appointment letters, official-looking messages or documents containing genuine government names and logos.
5. Requests for money and sensitive information: Victims may be asked to transfer funds, provide ATM card details or disclose personal and banking information under the guise of completing an official process.
Community leaders, job seekers, political aspirants and people seeking government contracts can all become targets.
Read also:
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- Police Reportedly Arrest Rochas Okorocha in Abuja Over Alleged Forgery, Impersonation
How to Protect Yourself From Fake Government Appointment Scams
Nigerians can reduce their risk of falling victim to impersonation fraud by taking the following precautions:
- Reject upfront payment demands: Treat requests for money in exchange for a government appointment, job or contract as a major warning sign.
- Verify independently: Contact the relevant government office through contact details published on its official website. Do not rely solely on a phone number supplied by the person making the offer.
- Do not trust caller ID alone: A familiar name or photograph displayed on a phone does not prove the caller’s identity.
- Check WhatsApp profiles carefully: Profile pictures, names and job titles can be copied. Confirm the person’s identity through an independent channel.
- Protect financial information: Never share ATM card details, PINs, passwords or one-time verification codes with someone claiming to represent a government official.
- Preserve evidence and report suspicious contacts: Keep relevant messages, phone numbers, payment receipts and transaction records, and report suspected fraud to the police or appropriate authorities.
If money has already been transferred, contact the relevant bank immediately to report the transaction and ask what steps may be available to limit further loss.
Why Verification Is Essential
The Delta State arrests highlight the importance of public awareness and prompt reporting in tackling impersonation scams. Recovering phones, SIM cards and other potential evidence can assist investigators, but preventing fraud also requires citizens to question unsolicited offers and verify claims before taking action.
The use of familiar names, official photographs and caller-ID applications can make fraudulent approaches appear convincing. However, these details are not proof that a message or call genuinely comes from a government office.
Ultimately, the safest approach is to confirm every appointment offer directly with the relevant institution and refuse to pay individuals who promise to use personal connections to secure government positions.
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