The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, has arrested a woman, Serah Uchechukwu Onyemerela, for allegedly defrauding 16 job seekers of N6.1 million in a recruitment scam.
The Commandant of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, Dr Elijah Willie, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the arrest and ongoing investigation on Monday.
Key Highlights
- 16 job seekers were allegedly defrauded in the Enugu job scam.
- NSCDC says the suspect collected about N6.1 million from the victims.
- The suspect allegedly promised to secure jobs at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH).
- Two complainants reportedly lost N770,000 and N424,500 respectively.
- NSCDC says the suspect has allegedly confessed to job fraud and obtaining money under false pretences.
- The suspect is expected to be handed over to the EFCC after preliminary investigations.
Suspect allegedly collected money from job seekers
Willie said the suspect had allegedly been evading arrest by several security agencies before an NSCDC officer tracked her down and brought her to the command.
According to him, the suspect collected N306,000 from each of the 16 job seekers in the alleged job scam.
The commandant said two complainants, Mrs Love Nnenna Onyema and Mrs Chidimma Ubah, reported the matter to the command on August 12 and 18, 2026.
He said Onyema allegedly paid N770,000, while Ubah reportedly paid N424,500, bringing the amount allegedly collected from the two complainants to N1,194,500.
Willie added that payments allegedly collected from the other victims brought the total amount involved in the case to about N6.1 million.
Suspect allegedly promised UNTH jobs
The NSCDC commandant said Onyemerela allegedly promised the victims that she would assist them in securing employment at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital.
“However, there is evidence indicating a lack of genuine intent, as there are no current job vacancies available, and the suspect has failed to refund the amounts as promised,” Willie said.
He explained that the suspect was summoned, tracked and subsequently detained on August 17, 2026, after she failed to fulfil the conditions attached to an administrative bail process facilitated by the NSCDC Enugu State Command.
NSCDC says suspect confessed to job fraud
According to Willie, the suspect has since allegedly confessed to the charges of job fraud and obtaining money under false pretences.
He said the money was transferred to a personnel account linked to the suspect.
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The commandant warned job seekers and Nigerians seeking assistance to be cautious of individuals who demand payment before offering employment or other forms of assistance.
Willie urged members of the public to treat demands for upfront payments in exchange for jobs as a major warning sign.
“Our people should get wise like people in the advanced world and stop falling prey to swindlers and wicked people who are bent on taking the little they have from them,” he said.
He added that the NSCDC would continue to pursue individuals involved in fraudulent activities to protect members of the public.
Suspect to be handed over to EFCC
Willie said the suspect would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after the NSCDC concludes its preliminary investigation.
The case highlights the continuing risks faced by job seekers who are targeted by individuals promising access to employment opportunities in government institutions.
