By Henry Gabriel
A Federal High Court in Abuja has taken decisive action against job racketeering in Nigeria.
Mrs Tosin Comfort Olagunju, an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has been remanded in Suleja prison, Niger State.
This decision was made by Justice Binta Nyako after Mrs Tosin was arraigned on a four-count charge.
The charges brought against Mrs Tosin include the grave offense of obtaining N12,400,000.00 from unsuspecting job seekers through false pretense.
Tosin allegedly promised these individuals employment within the NSCDC.
However, investigations revealed that Mrs Tosin had no authority or capacity to secure employment for anyone within the NSCDC.
During the court proceedings, Mrs Tosin, who resides in Karu Site, Abuja, pleaded not guilty to the charges laid against her.
The prosecuting lawyer, Princewill Eke, swiftly moved for a trial date following the defendant’s plea.
On the other hand, defence lawyer M. A. Oloniruka, informed the court that he had just filed a bail application.
However, due to the application not being in the court’s file at the time, Justice Nyako deemed it premature for hearing.
Elanza News reports that in response, Mr Oloniruka requested to orally present his client’s bail application.
Nonetheless, Elanza News gathered, the judge emphasized the importance of formal, written applications in a court of record.
Consequently, the bail application was not heard, and Mrs Tosin was ordered to be remanded in Suleja correctional centre until October 9 when the trial will commence.
The charges against Mrs Tosin include obtaining money by false pretense between the years 2020 to 2023, thereby defrauding Nigerians of N12,400,000.00.
Additionally, she is accused of criminal conspiracy, conversion of entrusted funds, and fraudulent inducement, all of which are serious offenses under Nigerian law.
Elanza News reports that this court’s action sends a strong message that job fraud and racketeering will not be tolerated in Nigeria.
The court’s decision to remand Mrs Tosin in prison reflects the gravity of her actions and serves as a warning to others who may engage in similar fraudulent activities.
As the trial proceeds, Elanza News reports that justice will be served, and the victims of this job fraud scheme will hopefully find some resolution.
