Opinion

By Val Obienyem 

JUST this morning, my wife informed me, “ndi 419, they just called me.” The caller identified himself as Chief Anthony Emodi, using the phone number 07031142301, which Truecaller identified as Dr. M. He claimed to have available slots for positions in Customs.

Seeking to unravel the scheme, I contacted Emodi, who confirmed his claims. He mentioned his sister, Blessing Okafor, as the Customs Comptroller General in Lagos. Upon expressing interest, he provided me with the number of the Custom’s Comptroller General of Lagos – 08138692605, which Truecaller identified as Blessing Odeh – to initiate further communication.

The purported CG confirmed the availability of slots, citing internal replacements for retired personnel. She requested specific information about the candidate we wished to employ, to which I promptly complied by providing details such as:

Full Name: Okafor Justin

State of Origin: Anambra State

Local Government: Anaocha

Date of Birth: 12/02/2000

Qualification: BSc, Economics

Email: okaforvcbh@yahoo.co.uk

Upon confirming the submission, she instructed me to make a payment of N25,000 into the account of ODIGE RAWLINGS 1010741603 at F.C.M.B bank for document processing. Additionally, she outlined the subsequent steps, including visiting a cybercafe to upload a passport onto a designated site, followed by the anticipation of appointment letters.

Shortly thereafter, she inquired about the candidate’s tattoos status, because customs frown  at such thus proving  her as authentic. She also inquired the status of the payment.

This incident highlights the prevalent exploitation of innocent Nigerians by fraudulent individuals. Even contemplating reporting this syndicate to security agencies is met with demands for money. They further will request one to provide money for tracking or securing request for court to place the account on hold. Such practices undermine efforts to combat crime, contributing to the perception of our nation as failed.

Tell me what it will take in this technology-driven age to unmask the users of the two phone numbers and the owner of the account supplied? 

Those who pretend to be more patriotic than Zik  and Awo will now come forward to question me. Where are  Igbokwe and  his adopted son, Peter Clever Oparah?

To keep her busy, I just called the person to inform them that I have made the payment. I am sure she is anxiously waiting for the alert.

F.A

April 30, 2024

Tags: 419 Criminals