An Abuja Federal High Court has sentenced a former legislative aide to eight years imprisonment for defrauding unsuspecting job seekers of ₦120.5 million through a fake employment scheme.

The convict reportedly promised to secure jobs for his victims in government agencies in exchange for huge sums of money. After collecting the payments, he failed to deliver and went into hiding until he was eventually tracked and arrested.

During the trial, the court found him guilty of fraud and obtaining money by false pretence, stressing that such scams not only exploit desperate job seekers but also tarnish the image of public institutions.

The judge ordered that the victims be refunded as much as possible from the recovered funds, warning others that anyone caught engaging in similar fraudulent activities will face severe punishment.

This case serves as a reminder of the dangers of employment racketeering, which has become rampant in Nigeria, leaving many youths vulnerable while seeking opportunities.