An official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mrs Tosin Olagunju, has been remanded in Suleja prison, Niger State, by a Federal High Court in Abuja, for allegedly obtaining N12.4 million from job seekers under false pretences.

Mrs Olagunju was arraigned on four counts of scamming job seekers, to which she pleaded not guilty. Following her plea, the prosecuting lawyer, Princewill Eke, requested a date to commence the trial.

The defence lawyer, M. A. Oloniruka, informed the court that a bail application had been filed, but it was not available in the court’s file, making it unripe for hearing. Oloniruka then sought to apply orally for bail, but Justice Nyako rejected the request, stating that all applications must be formal and in writing.

Justice Nyako ordered Olagunju to be remanded in prison pending the hearing of her bail application scheduled for October 9. “This matter is adjourned till October 9 for trial. The defendant should be remanded in Suleja correctional centre,” she said.

Olagunju, a resident of Karu Site, Abuja, faces charges under the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/183/2024, filed by the Inspector General of Police. The charges include:

Count One: Between 2010 and 2023, Olagunju allegedly obtained N12,400,000 from Nigerians, including Billi Haruna Bwala, under the false pretence of securing them employment with the NSCDC, an offence punishable under Section 1(1)(c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.

Count Two: Between 2020 and 2023, Olagunju is accused of conspiring with others to commit criminal conspiracy, punishable under Section 97(1) of the Penal Code Act, 2004.

Count Three: Olagunju allegedly dishonestly converted N12,400,000 to her own use, violating trust while entrusted with the task of securing employment with the NSCDC for Nigerians, contrary to Section 311 and punishable under Section 312 of the Penal Code Act 2004.

Count Four: Between 2010 and 2023, Olagunju is accused of fraudulently inducing Nigerians to part with N12,400,000, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 320 and punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code Act 2004.