A woman posing as a senior official of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been arrested by law enforcement agents for allegedly engaging in job racketeering and impersonation. The suspect, identified as Florence Abah, was paraded before the media after being apprehended in Abuja following multiple complaints from unsuspecting victims.
Abah, who had reportedly posed as a recruitment officer with the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), commonly known as the VIO, was arrested after defrauding several job seekers by promising them employment within the agency in exchange for money.
Modus Operandi Uncovered
According to investigators from the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect operated by targeting young graduates and desperate job seekers across Abuja and neighboring towns. She allegedly introduced herself as a VIO officer with influential connections capable of securing jobs in federal and state government agencies.
Using forged documents, a counterfeit VIO uniform, and a fake identification card, Abah created the illusion of authenticity. Victims claimed she conducted what appeared to be formal job interviews and even issued fake appointment letters to some of them.
One of the victims, a 25-year-old graduate of public administration, told reporters that she paid N250,000 to the suspect after being convinced of a placement opportunity at the Department of Road Traffic Services.
“I met her through a church friend. She dressed like a VIO officer and showed me documents to prove she worked there. She said there were openings for assistant traffic officers and asked me to pay for processing. I paid in two installments and even attended a fake induction. That was when I began to suspect foul play,” the victim narrated.
Dozens Defrauded, Money Yet to Be Recovered
Police reports indicate that over 30 individuals may have been swindled by the suspect in a fraud scheme that spanned at least six months. The total sum allegedly collected from victims is estimated at over ₦9 million. While efforts are underway to trace the funds, investigators say most of the money had already been spent or transferred to undisclosed accounts.
The spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspect was apprehended following a tip-off and coordinated surveillance. She added that the police recovered incriminating evidence, including forged documents, fake VIO tags, receipts, and a list of applicants with amounts paid.
“She has been parading herself as a VIO officer and has deceived many young Nigerians into believing she could get them jobs in government. This is a serious crime, and she will face the full weight of the law,” SP Adeh stated.
Arraigned in Court, Remanded in Custody
Florence Abah was arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6 on Friday, where she faced a three-count charge of criminal impersonation, fraud, and obtaining by false pretence.
The prosecutor, Inspector Uche Dike, told the court that the accused knowingly and deliberately impersonated a public officer with the intent to defraud. He prayed the court to deny the accused bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and the possibility of her jumping bail.
However, counsel to the defendant, Barrister Ngozi Akpan, pleaded for bail, arguing that the suspect was a first-time offender and a mother of two who deserved leniency. After listening to both parties, Magistrate Aisha Bello ruled that the accused be remanded in Suleja Correctional Facility pending the next hearing scheduled for April 26, 2025.
VIO Reacts: Public Warned Against Impersonators
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Directorate of Road Traffic Services has distanced itself from the suspect, warning the public to be cautious of fraudsters parading themselves as VIO officials. In an official statement, the DRTS said recruitment into the agency is handled through transparent processes overseen by the Civil Service Commission and does not involve intermediaries or payment of any kind.
“We urge members of the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious individuals claiming to offer employment on behalf of the VIO. Our uniforms, ID cards, and procedures are standardized, and we do not conduct recruitment secretly or unofficially,” the statement read.
The agency further confirmed that the suspect had never been employed in any capacity within the organization.
Public Reactions and Outrage
News of the arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians lamenting the rising cases of job fraud amid high youth unemployment. On social media, users called for stiffer penalties for job scammers and urged government agencies to conduct awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable job seekers.
Activists and legal experts also weighed in, calling for reforms in public recruitment systems to minimize the space for fraudulent actors. “Desperation for employment has created a market for criminals. Until our system becomes truly merit-based and transparent, more youths will fall victim,” said legal analyst Barr. Yakubu Ojo.
Conclusion
The arrest and prosecution of Florence Abah serve as a stern reminder of the dangers of falling for job scams, especially when desperate for employment. Authorities have reiterated their call for citizens to report impersonators and verify claims through official channels before parting with money or personal information.
As the case progresses, many hope that justice will be served not only to deter future criminals but also to provide a measure of closure for those who were duped by the false promises of a job they never received.
