Posted By: Osagie Otabor, Benin

A syndicate that has duped hundreds of Niger Delta youths with a promise to secure jobs for them under the Federal Ethnic Council has been smashed by the Edo State Police Command.

The syndicate sold recruitment forms to their victims for N15,000 after making them to pay N2,000 registration fee.

It reportedly told its victims that they would be recruited by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and will work under the Communities Security Operation Department.

Syndicate leader, who gave his name as Prince Oyibo Emmanuel, was nabbed in Benin where he came to address some youths.

He was paraded with two of his members, Director of Women Affairs Oyibo Enonegberu and Secretary Etsede Emmanuel.

Prince Oyibo, who said he was leader and commander of the group, said the Federal Ethnic Council was for youths in oil and gas producing areas in Niger Delta to work as security operatives.

Oyibo said he didn’t need to register the organisation because it was recognised by the Ministry of Niger Delta.

He said: “We don’t keep the money we collect because the money is used to keep peace in oil and gas producing communities. We have many communities that recommended their youths. I did not register the company.

It was the Federal Government that gave directive at a stakeholders meeting. I represent all ethnic nationalities. To register is N1,000. We are recognised but it is the Federal Government that will train them and give them jobs.”

Etsede, who claimed to be an artisan, said his friend told him about the supposed Federal Government job.

He said he paid them N15,000 for the form and they issued him an ID card pending the job’s availability.

“Last Saturday, I was called by the commander that he want to address the people that applied in Edo State. After his address, there was an argument and the people demanded refund. They called for police and he was arrested.”

“I was not paid any money. They said I should wait till the job is ready. We don’t do any security operation. I have not followed them. The commander has a secretary, director and deputy director in Edo State.”

The director of Women Affairs said she was nabbed when she came to give them food at the police station.

Police Commissioner Haliru Gwandu said the suspects would soon be charged to court.

Thenationonlineng