A resident of Bida in Niger State, Musa Mohammed, has accused a police officer of defrauding his family of ₦500,000 under the guise of securing employment for his son in the Nigeria Police Force.
According to Mohammed, the officer—identified as Etsu Ibrahim Mu’azu and attached to the Niger State Government House in Minna—allegedly collected the money over a 15-month period with repeated assurances that the recruitment process would be completed once full payment was made.
Payments, Promises, and Mounting Pressure
Mohammed explained that the arrangement began with an initial payment of ₦250,000, with the balance to be paid later. However, the officer reportedly insisted that the full ₦500,000 must be completed due to high demand, even claiming that his superior had issued the directive.
Faced with pressure and hope for a better future for his son, the family reportedly borrowed money to complete the payment. Receipts provided showed multiple transactions amounting to ₦450,000 between March and May 2025, with additional informal payments made thereafter.
Additional Charges and False Assurances
Beyond the agreed sum, Mohammed alleged that the officer demanded extra payments for logistics and “settlement” of officials who would facilitate the posting. The family reportedly sent an additional ₦30,000, followed by ₦10,000 as appreciation.
His son was instructed to prepare for training and even travel to Abuja ahead of time. Acting on these assurances, the young man relocated and waited for weeks, expecting a call-up that never came.
Silence, Frustration, and Allegations of Fraud
After weeks of waiting without progress, Mohammed said attempts to get clarity were met with repeated assurances to remain patient. Eventually, communication reportedly broke down, with the officer allegedly refusing to refund the money and warning the family to “do their worst.”
The situation has left the family in financial distress, still repaying borrowed funds used to meet the demands. Mohammed further alleged that similar experiences have been reported by others, including a relative who was also affected.
Calls for Accountability
Efforts to reach the accused officer for comment were unsuccessful, while attempts to get a response from the police spokesperson in Niger State also yielded no result.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about recruitment scams and the exploitation of job seekers in Nigeria, particularly in highly competitive sectors like the police. Mohammed has called on relevant authorities to investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.
As unemployment pressures persist, such incidents continue to expose the vulnerabilities of citizens seeking opportunities—and the urgent need for transparency and accountability in public sector recruitment.