Employment scam in Gombe lands fraudsters into prison
By Uzair Adam Imam
In a recent verdict, the Gombe State High Court delivered justice to perpetrators of employment scams, sending a strong message against fraud.
Ibrahim Abdullahi and Umar Usman found themselves on the wrong side of the law, charged with obtaining N682,847 under false pretenses.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed that Abdullahi and Usman, separately arraigned, faced charges related to cheating and employment scams.
Abdullahi was accused of obtaining the Polaris ATM card of Aminu Adamu Idris and Muhammed Saidu Jibril under false employment promises, subsequently misusing it to secure a loan without consent.
Both defendants pleaded guilty upon arraignment. The prosecuting attorney, A.B. Kware, urged the court to consider appropriate sentencing, while the defendants’ attorney, R.A. Anthony, appealed for leniency, citing their regret and first-time offender status.
Judge Kereng, after finding them guilty, sentenced Abdullahi and Usman to one and two years in jail, respectively, alongside a N50,000 fine each.
In another case, Mohammed Soja faced six years imprisonment for similar fraud charges but was offered a chance for rehabilitation due to his father’s medical condition, with an option of a N150,000 fine.
Previously, Alhaji Abdullahi Usman received a 10-year sentence for obtaining goods under false pretenses.
The EFCC had arraigned Usman on one count in 2018 after he deceived a store owner in Gombe.
These verdicts underscore the judiciary’s commitment to combating fraud and protecting citizens from exploitation.
They serve as a reminder of the importance of due diligence in financial transactions and employment opportunities, emphasizing the need for vigilance against fraudulent schemes.