FCT: NSCDC arrests suspect posing as NYSC member to defraud parents, students
NSCDC Arrests Suspect Posing as NYSC Member in Fraud Case
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command has arrested a 27-year-old man for allegedly posing as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to defraud parents and students.
According to Mr. Olusola Odumosu, the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, the suspect gained employment at the International Model Science Academy, which is affiliated with the National Mathematical Centre in the Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
Addressing reporters in Abuja on Thursday, Odumosu responded to claims made in an online news report alleging that the NSCDC was unlawfully detaining the suspect and soliciting large sums of money for his release. He labeled these assertions as unfounded and misleading.
Odumosu clarified that the suspect was not held without trial for 65 days, as reported. Instead, the NSCDC had obtained a court remand order after the suspect failed to meet his bail conditions.
The commandant outlined the suspect’s methods, revealing that he submitted a forged NYSC call-up letter to secure his position at the academy. He also mentioned that the NYSC had issued a letter disavowing the suspect as a legitimate corps member.
Investigations indicated that the suspect collected funds from parents for the registration of their children for a scholarship program affiliated with Cambridge University. Additionally, he allegedly cloned Cambridge University email addresses to send fraudulent confirmation messages to parents, furthering his scheme.
In another aspect of his operation, the suspect is said to have solicited money for tutoring services, promising parents that he could arrange additional lessons for their children to assist them in passing the scholarship exam.
Odumosu further stated that the investigation revealed the suspect had also received payments from parents purportedly for the purchase of exam preparation materials.
Recovered items from the suspect included an NYSC uniform, the forged call-up letter, documents evidencing financial transactions, and a bag containing illegal drugs.
The commandant emphasized that accusations regarding the NSCDC’s demand for money in connection to the suspect’s release were incorrect; he explained that the amount mentioned in the online report referred to the money fraudulently obtained from parents, which the suspect was expected to refund.
