Crime & Accountability: 21 Job Seekers Allegedly Affected by Promises of Employment at Psychiatric Hospital.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform — 22 October 2026.
THE ECONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into a businesswoman, Stella Ezinne Egotanwa, over allegations that she defrauded 21 job seekers of ₦8,291,200 under the pretext of securing employment for them at Neo Psychiatric Hospital in Enugu State.
According to reports published on October 20, 2026, the 45-year-old suspect allegedly collected money from applicants who believed she could facilitate their recruitment into the hospital. The commission reportedly stated that the alleged transactions occurred between December 28, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
How the Investigation Began
Reports indicate that 16 individuals initially petitioned the authorities, alleging that they had paid a combined ₦6.193 million for employment opportunities that did not materialise.
The suspect was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State on July 30, 2026, before being transferred to the EFCC on August 26 for further investigation.
During the investigation, five additional individuals reportedly submitted petitions alleging that they had collectively lost another ₦2,098,200 through similar promises of employment.
These additional complaints brought the reported number of complainants to 21 and the total amount involved to ₦8,291,200. Investigators also reportedly alleged that accounts belonging to different Point-of-Sale (POS) agents were used to receive the payments.
EFCC’s Next Steps
According to the published reports, the commission stated that the suspect would be charged before a court upon the conclusion of its investigation. Reports also indicate that she is facing a separate case involving an alleged employment scam.
The allegations remain subject to determination by a court of competent jurisdiction. The investigation and any subsequent court proceedings will be important in establishing the facts, determining legal responsibility and addressing the complaints of the affected applicants.
Warning to Job Seekers
The reported case serves as a reminder to job seekers to exercise caution when individuals promise to secure public-sector or private-sector employment in exchange for money.
Applicants are advised to:
- Verify vacancies directly through the official websites and offices of recruiting institutions.
- Avoid paying individuals who claim to have special connections to secure employment.
- Request official documentation and independently confirm recruitment procedures.
- Preserve receipts, bank-transfer records, messages and other evidence if they suspect fraud.
- Report suspected employment scams to the appropriate law-enforcement authorities.
Legitimate recruitment information should be obtained through authorised channels, and applicants should be wary of anyone demanding unofficial payments in exchange for a job offer.
EMV Editorial Note: This report is based on published news accounts of the EFCC investigation. The allegations have not been presented as a final judicial finding, and any subsequent development should be confirmed through official EFCC communications or court records.
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