The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested one Bolaji Kazeem Akinwunmi, popularly known as “Bolaji Original,” for allegedly defrauding job seekers of N2,921,700 in an employment scam.

Akinwunmi was arrested alongside his accomplice and former lover, Kemisola Mary Akinbo, an indigene of Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.

According to the EFCC, the suspect posed as an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service, falsely claiming he had access to recruitment slots for interested applicants.

The anti-graft agency said Akinwunmi targeted young job seekers, collecting between N40,000 and N45,000 from victims under the guise of facilitating employment into federal agencies.

“He reportedly deceived job seekers by claiming he could secure employment slots in federal agencies,” the EFCC stated.

Further investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly used the bank account of his former girlfriend, Akinbo, to receive proceeds from the fraudulent scheme in order to evade detection. The account reportedly recorded multiple deposits running into millions of naira with narrations linked to job placements.

In her statement, Akinbo said she became involved with Akinwunmi in September 2023 and later moved in with him in Akure, Ondo State. She alleged that he initially introduced himself to her as a police officer before later switching to recruitment fraud.

She admitted that several payments were made into her account at his instance.

Akinwunmi, in his own statement, reportedly confessed to receiving N2,921,700 from the fraudulent activities.

The EFCC said the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations. (The Guardian)

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