The Rivers Police Command has dismantled a job racketeering syndicate that preyed on job seekers by advertising fake job vacancies.
Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu announced at a news conference in Port Harcourt that 16 victims were rescued during a raid on the gang’s hideout. The operation followed a distress call from residents who suspected a hostage situation.
The raid, conducted by the Octopus Strike Force, led to the arrest of Chukwudi Okoli, who was masquerading as an employee of Ojoseansel International Global Limited. The police rescued Amiye Joseph and 15 other victims, including 13 males and two females, from the facility.
Preliminary investigations revealed that victims had paid between ₦650,000 and ₦850,000 for non-existent jobs in the oil and gas sector, promised to be paid in US dollars. The syndicate lured victims by offering fake job opportunities, conducting bogus interviews, and then detaining them in Port Harcourt.
The fraudsters also conducted training sessions to instruct victims on how to deceive others with fake job offers. Items recovered from the gang’s base included cellphones, laptops, televisions, generators, industrial fans, and office furniture.