The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced on Tuesday, October 20, that it has opened a formal investigation into a job scam that allegedly cost 21 people a combined N8.29 million. The probe centres on 45‑year‑old businesswoman Stella Ezinne Egotanwa, who is accused of collecting money from job seekers by promising positions at a psychiatric hospital in Enugu State. The alleged fraud took place between December 28, 2025, and June 30, 2026, and culminated in her arrest by Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives in Anambra State on July 30, 2026, after a complaint from 16 victims.
According to the EFCC’s statement posted on its official X account, the initial group of complainants claimed they each paid a total of N6.193 million to Egotanwa under the belief that she could secure them employment at the Enugu psychiatric facility. The victims said the promised jobs never materialised, and after the payments were made, the suspect became difficult to reach, with several days passing without response to calls or messages. One petitioner recounted paying N1.05 million on December 28, 2025, describing the transaction as “in good faith because I believed that the employment opportunity she presented to me was genuine.” The petitioner added that after the payment, the promised employment did not materialise and contact with Egotanwa grew increasingly erratic.
The EFCC’s investigation widened after five additional individuals filed petitions, each alleging they were defrauded of N2,098,200 collectively. These later complaints brought the total number of alleged victims to 21 and the total sum involved to N8,291,200. The commission’s statement noted that the additional petitions were submitted during the ongoing investigation, reinforcing the breadth of the alleged scheme. The EFCC said the suspect used accounts belonging to different point‑of‑sale (POS) agents to collect the funds, a method that complicates tracing the money trail but also indicates a level of premeditation in the alleged operation.
Stella Egotanwa, who is already awaiting trial on a separate but similar employment‑related fraud case, is said to have admitted to the alleged offence in the current matter. The EFCC indicated that once its investigative phase concludes, the suspect will be formally charged and presented before a court of law. No further details on the nature of the pending court dates were provided, but the commission stressed that the charges will be filed “upon the conclusion of investigations.”
The case highlights a pattern of job‑placement scams that have become increasingly common across Nigeria, especially in states where public sector positions are scarce and competition is fierce. Fraudsters often exploit the desperation of recent graduates and unemployed youths by offering seemingly legitimate employment opportunities, typically in the health or education sectors, and then disappearing after receiving payments. The EFCC has previously warned the public against making upfront payments for job placements, noting that legitimate employers do not require such fees. In many instances, the promised jobs are either fabricated or already filled, leaving victims out of pocket and without recourse.
Public reaction to the EFCC’s announcement has been a mixture of relief and caution. Victims who came forward expressed hope that the arrest will deter similar scams, while also calling for faster restitution of the funds they lost. Civil society groups focused on youth empowerment have reiterated the need for greater awareness campaigns, urging job seekers to verify the authenticity of any employment offer and to report suspicious activities promptly. The EFCC’s decision to publicise the investigation via social media reflects a broader strategy to increase transparency and encourage community participation in combating economic crimes.
Legal experts note that the use of POS agents in the alleged fraud may open additional avenues for prosecution, as financial institutions are required to monitor suspicious transactions under Nigeria’s anti‑money‑laundering regulations. Should the investigation uncover further evidence of money‑laundering or the involvement of other parties, the case could expand beyond the primary suspect. The EFCC has not ruled out the possibility of charging co‑conspirators, and it is expected that forensic accountants will be engaged to trace the flow of the N8.29 million through the various payment channels.
As the investigation proceeds, the EFCC has pledged to keep the public informed of any developments. The commission’s statement concluded by reaffirming its commitment to prosecuting economic crimes that undermine public trust and financial stability. The next step will involve the formal charging of Stella Egotanwa and the preparation of a court dossier that details the evidence gathered, including testimonies from the 21 victims and financial records from the POS agents used. The outcome of the case will likely serve as a benchmark for how Nigerian law enforcement addresses job‑placement fraud in the coming years.
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