EFCC docks businessman over alleged employment scam in Kwara
Businessman Arraigned on Fraud Charges in Ilorin
ILORIN, Nigeria — Kazeem Akinwunmi Bolaji, a 45-year-old businessman, was arraigned Wednesday on an 11-count charge related to an alleged employment scam and the retention of proceeds from unlawful activities. The proceedings took place before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar at the Kwara State High Court.
The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Bolaji of deceiving victims by promising to secure employment for them with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
In one instance, Bolaji allegedly collected N130,026.88 from twin brothers, Taiwo and Kehinde Abe, under the pretext of obtaining jobs for them with NSCDC. In another case, he was said to have received N45,000 from Olarewaju Akande for a similar promise concerning the Nigeria Customs Service.
Further investigations revealed that Bolaji purportedly posed as an officer of both the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service, claiming to have access to employment positions. He allegedly benefitted approximately N22.5 million from these illicit activities.
One charge outlined in the indictment stated: “That you, Kazeem Akinwunmi Bolaji, sometime in November 2025 in Ilorin, did obtain the sum of N130,026.88 from Akande Shina, which was paid to you through Bunmi Mosunmola Ajayi’s account at Opay Digital Limited, under the false pretence that you would help Taiwo and Kehinde Abe secure employment with the NSCDC, knowing such claims to be false.”
Bolaji pleaded not guilty to the charges when presented before the court.
Following his plea, EFCC counsel Sesan Ola requested that the court set a trial date and remand Bolaji in custody until the proceedings begin. Justice Abdulgafar adjourned the case to June 24, 2026, for the trial to commence and ordered Bolaji to be held at the Nigerian Correctional Centre.
