Police clamp down on fake job syndicate, rescue 16 hostages in Rivers

The Rivers police command has cracked down on a job racketeering syndicate that allegedly specialises in advertising non-existent employment vacancies to defraud job seekers.

Olatunji Disu, commissioner of police in the state, said the group was uncovered when officers from the Octopus strike force responded to a distress call from concerned residents, who suspected a hostage situation.

He said during the operation, officers arrested one Chukwudi Okoli who had been posing as an employee of Ojoseansel International Global Limited.

The commissioner said the fake company operated from a compound in Igwuruta, Ikwerre LGA of the state.

He added that operatives of the command successfully rescued 16 victims held by the gang during the raid of the syndicate’s hideout.

“During the operation, one Amiye Joseph and 15 other victims, comprising 13 males and two females, were rescued and taken to the station,” he said.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that each of the victims had paid between N650,000 and N850,000 to the fraudulent company.

“The company had falsely promised the victims jobs in the oil and gas industry, with salaries purportedly paid in US dollars.

“The fraudsters operated by randomly selecting phone numbers and contacting potential victims, introducing them to fake job opportunities. They would then invite the victims to Port Harcourt for bogus interviews.”

The commissioner said investigations revealed that after extorting the victims of their money, they were detained in a facility where they were closely monitored.

He said the company also allegedly subjected victims to training sessions in its hideouts, adding that victims were taught how to deceive their friends into believing in fraudulent job offers that pays 450 US dollars per week.

He said items recovered from the company’s hideout included mobile cell phones, laptops, television sets, generators, industrial fans, and office furniture.