N3.2m fraud: Customs nabs officers for defrauding job seekers

OPERATIVES of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) have arrested two members of staff of the service and another person for defrauding job seekers of N3.2 million in Abuja.

OPERATIVES of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) have arrested two members of staff of the service and another person for defrauding job seekers of N3.2 million in Abuja.

A statement issued by NCS Deputy Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah, stated last week that the officers were an inspector and a Customs assistant.

According to the statement, the suspects allegedly collected N3.2 million from 11 applicants interested in joining the service and issued them fake appointment letters.

An Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Usman Turaki ordered the immediate arrest of the affected staff and reported the case to the headquarters after discovering the letters.

It further said that Turaki's preliminary investigation revealed mastermind, which later led to other details in the deal.

The statement said the customs assistant serving in Minna had introduced his elder brother to the inspector, for help to secure enlistment in the service.

The statement said the inspector assured the applicant of ‘enlistment into the service and later asked him to bring applicants who were ready to pay the amount needed to facilitate the process.’

The applicant organised 10 other prospective applicants, who were ready to part with between N250, 000 and N400,000 depending on the rank being applied for.

It said that the Comptroller- General of Customs directed that a thorough investigation be carried out to identify other accomplices.

Source: http://www.momentng.com/en/news/3980...nabs-offi.html