By Laiatu Augustine Bamaiyi.
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a resident of Birnin Kebbi, Hamza Abdullahi Sama, over an alleged employment fraud involving ₦5.2 million, in which more than 175 job seekers were reportedly deceived with false promises of government-approved school feeding jobs across the state.
According to the Command, the suspect, who resides in the KCC area of Birnin Kebbi, allegedly posed as an agent with the authority to facilitate recruitment into primary and secondary schools under the Kebbi State Government’s school feeding programme.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Sama allegedly collected ₦30,000 each from the victims as “processing fees,” convincing them that the payments would secure them employment placements. Among those affected were Shafa’atu, Yusuf Yahaya (popularly known as Baban Zaria), Hussai Sani, Ubaida Abubakar, and several others.
Police findings indicated that the suspect fraudulently obtained a total of ₦5,200,000 through deliberate misrepresentation, as no such employment opportunities existed. Investigators further established that Sama was not authorised by any government ministry, department, or agency to recruit or process employment on behalf of the state.
The suspect is currently in police custody while investigations continue, with a view to charging him to court upon completion of the probe.
Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Police Command has cautioned members of the public, particularly job seekers, to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudulent employment schemes. The Command reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing, stressing that it will continue to track down, arrest, and prosecute individuals who exploit the desperation of citizens in search of jobs, in line with the law.
