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Ex-Legislative Aide Gets 8-Year Jail Term for ₦120m Employment Scam in Ilorin
ILORIN, Nigeria — A former legislative aide has been sentenced to eight years in prison for defrauding job seekers of more than ₦120 million through a fake employment scheme in Kwara State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Ilorin handed down the ruling after finding the defendant guilty of collecting money from unsuspecting victims with promises of securing them positions in government agencies.
The convict, identified as Tunde Salami, had worked as an aide to a former federal lawmaker. Prosecutors from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said he used his past political connections to trick victims into believing he had influence over recruitment into federal ministries and parastatals.
The scheme
According to the EFCC, Salami collected varying amounts from dozens of people, sometimes demanding as much as ₦5 million per person. Victims were told the payments were for “processing fees,” training, and “slot allocation.” None of the promised jobs ever materialized.
Investigators said the fraud took place over a two-year period, targeting mostly young graduates desperate for employment in a state with one of the country’s highest unemployment rates.
“The defendant devised a criminal scheme that preyed on the vulnerability of job seekers,” EFCC counsel Sesan Ola said in court. “He enriched himself at the expense of ordinary Nigerians who were only seeking a better life.”
The trial and judgment
Salami was first arrested in 2022 after several complaints reached the Ilorin Zonal Office of the EFCC. He was later arraigned on multiple counts of obtaining money under false pretenses and conspiracy to defraud.
During the trial, witnesses testified that they sold land, withdrew life savings, or borrowed money to pay Salami after he assured them of jobs in the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Customs Service, and other government agencies.
Justice Anyadike ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. In her judgment, she said the sentence was meant to serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar schemes.
“The court cannot ignore the devastating impact of this crime on the victims and on society,” the judge said. “The lure of quick wealth through fraud must stop. This sentence should send a clear message.”
The court ordered that some funds recovered during the investigation be returned to identified victims, though it admitted that the full amount of ₦120 million may never be recovered.
Reactions and impact
Outside the courtroom, several victims expressed mixed feelings about the verdict. Some said they were relieved that justice had been served, while others lamented that their financial losses had ruined their lives.
“I sold my late father’s farmland to pay him. Today, I have nothing to show for it,” one victim, who asked not to be named, told reporters. “At least he will not deceive anyone else again.”
The EFCC welcomed the ruling, saying it reinforced its commitment to fighting corruption and financial crimes across Nigeria. “This judgment should warn fraudsters that no matter how long it takes, the law will catch up with them,” EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren said.
Wider context
Employment scams have become widespread in Nigeria, where millions of young people compete for limited opportunities in the public and private sectors. Fraudsters often pose as government officials, insiders, or recruitment agents, promising jobs in exchange for payments.
Experts warn that such schemes thrive in environments of high unemployment and weak oversight. A recent National Bureau of Statistics report showed that youth unemployment in Nigeria remains above 30 percent, with many graduates unable to secure stable jobs years after leaving school.
Legal analysts said the case underscores the need for better public awareness campaigns to educate job seekers about fraudulent offers. They also called for tighter recruitment processes in government agencies to reduce opportunities for impersonation and corruption.
Next steps
The EFCC has urged members of the public to report suspected scams and avoid making payments for government employment, which is officially free of charge.
For Salami, the prison term marks a dramatic fall from grace for a man once seen as close to political power. For his victims, the case remains a painful reminder of both personal loss and the wider struggles facing young Nigerians searching for work.
A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.
They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.
Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.
He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.
According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.
Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.
Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.
According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.
Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.
He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.
He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.
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