Dare Babalola
The Bauchi State Government has cautioned residents against fraudulent employment offers circulating across the state, insisting that recruitment into the civil service is carried out strictly through official procedures and not through cash payments or middlemen.
The warning was issued through the Office of the Head of Civil Service after the arrest of a suspected fraudster, Saleem Alhassan, popularly known as “Jagaban Ningi,” by the Bauchi State Police Command over alleged involvement in forgery and other related offences.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Information Officer in the Office of the Head of Civil Service, Awwal Waziri, the government said the suspect was allegedly linked to the production and distribution of fake appointment letters aimed at deceiving job seekers.
According to the statement, the government became concerned following reports that some individuals had been parading counterfeit employment documents and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public with promises of securing government jobs.
Waziri disclosed that investigators were probing the suspect for alleged criminal conspiracy and forgery connected to the illegal issuance of fake employment letters. He noted that the latest arrest followed previous complaints filed by the Office of the Head of Civil Service, which had earlier led to the prosecution of two other suspects involved in similar activities.
The government said the fraudsters allegedly collected between ₦500,000 and ₦750,000 from victims under the pretence of facilitating appointments into the state civil service.
It stressed that employment into the Bauchi State Civil Service is conducted only through approved channels supervised by the Office of the Head of Civil Service and the State Civil Service Commission.
The statement further clarified that no applicant is expected to pay money at any stage of the recruitment process, warning that any appointment letter not officially issued by the appropriate government authorities should be regarded as fake.
Residents were advised to avoid individuals or groups claiming they could influence employment opportunities in exchange for payment. The government also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities or fake recruitment syndicates to the nearest police station, the State Criminal Investigation Department, or the Office of the Head of Civil Service.
The state government commended the Bauchi State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu, for its swift intervention in the matter, while also acknowledging the efforts of other security agencies assisting in the crackdown on employment racketeering.
It added that members of the public seeking clarification on recruitment matters should verify all job-related information directly from the Office of the Head of Civil Service or the Bauchi State Civil Service Commission.
