A 45-year-old businessman, Kazeem Akinwunmi Bolaji, has been arraigned on 11 counts of alleged employment scam and retention of proceeds from unlawful activities at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin. The charges stem from a scheme where Bolaji allegedly collected money from unsuspecting job seekers under false promises of securing employment with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The case was brought before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar on Wednesday, following investigations by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the EFCC, Bolaji operated by posing as an officer of both the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service, falsely claiming he had access to job openings. He exploited this pretence to defraud multiple victims, collecting sums ranging from N45,000 to over N130,000. In one notable case, he allegedly received N130,026.88 from twin brothers, Taiwo and Kehinde Abe, through a payment made to Bunmi Mosunmola Ajayi’s Opay Digital Limited account. The money was paid under the false promise that he would secure employment for them in the NSCDC.
Another victim, Olarewaju Akande, reportedly paid N45,000 to Bolaji with the expectation of getting a job in the Nigeria Customs Service. The EFCC investigation revealed that Bolaji’s fraudulent activities spanned several months and resulted in him amassing up to N22.5 million. The charge sheet specifically highlights that Bolaji obtained N130,026.88 from Akande Shina, who paid via the same Opay account, under the false pretence of securing jobs for the Abe twins.
When the charges were read, Bolaji pleaded not guilty. His legal counsel, Sesan Ola, representing the EFCC, urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in custody. Justice Abdulgafar agreed, adjourning the matter to June 24, 2026, for the commencement of trial. The judge also ordered Bolaji’s remand at the Nigerian Correctional Centre pending trial.
This case underscores the growing menace of employment scams in Nigeria, where fraudsters exploit the desperation of job seekers. The EFCC’s swift action in bringing Bolaji to court sends a strong message to other potential offenders. As the trial date approaches, the public is reminded to remain vigilant and verify the legitimacy of any job placement offer before making financial commitments.
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