NSCDC FCT Command Counters Online Report, Reveals Alleged Fake NYSC Member In Fraud Scheme

By Bukar BOLORI

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has strongly refuted allegations published by an online news outfit accusing the security agency of bribery and unlawful detention, describing the reports as false, malicious and deliberately misleading.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Command said the media briefing became necessary to correct what it called a “dangerous distortion of facts” contained in two separate reports by the online platform alleging that the Corps detained a corps member for 65 days and demanded a “Commandant’s charge” of N1.4 million, as well as another claim that a 69-year-old man was held for 89 days unless he paid N10 million.

The Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said the allegations were part of an attempt by individuals under investigation to discredit the agency and derail ongoing criminal proceedings.

According to him, the individual described in the publication as a detained corps member, identified as Joseph Nanmwa Philips, 27, from Plateau State, is not a legitimate member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) but an impostor who allegedly forged a call-up letter to fraudulently secure placement at the International Model Science Academy in Kwali, a subsidiary of the National Mathematical Centre.

The Command disclosed that Philips was arrested by NSCDC operatives in Kwali on February 6, 2026 following complaints of impersonation, forgery and cyber-related offences.

Investigators said the suspect allegedly hacked and impersonated officials of the National Mathematical Centre on social media and used the fake identity to deceive unsuspecting parents.

After preliminary investigation, the suspect was transferred to the FCT Command headquarters on February 9, where he was interrogated and granted bail the same day in line with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

However, the Command explained that the suspect remained in custody because he could not meet the bail conditions, particularly the requirement for a credible surety.

Consequently, the agency sought and obtained a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2 to legally hold him pending the conclusion of investigations.

The NSCDC also dismissed claims that it demanded N1.4 million for the suspect’s release, clarifying that the amount referenced in the report was money the suspect allegedly collected fraudulently from parents.

According to the Command, investigations revealed that Philips collected about N1.3 million from several parents under the pretext of registering their children for a Cambridge University scholarship programme.

He allegedly cloned email addresses linked to Cambridge University and sent fabricated confirmation messages to parents to make the scheme appear legitimate.

The suspect was also accused of collecting additional money for extra lesson teachers and study materials supposedly required for the scholarship examination.

The Command said several exhibits were recovered from him, including an NYSC uniform, a forged call-up letter and documents showing financial transactions between the suspect and parents who claimed to have been defrauded.

The NSCDC further alleged that the individual who made the allegations to SaharaReporters, identified as Chimezie Otuojo, is himself a suspect currently on administrative bail in a separate case involving alleged threat to life and assault reported by his neighbour.

According to the Command, Otuojo resorted to “blackmail and misinformation” to undermine the Corps after becoming aware of ongoing investigations involving him.

On the separate allegation that the Corps detained a 69-year-old man for 89 days and demanded a N10 million “Commandant’s fee,” the NSCDC said the claim was equally baseless.

The Command explained that the case originated from a petition filed by TroBell Minerals Ltd over alleged criminal breach of trust and obtaining by false pretence involving about N217 million.

Following investigations, the suspect was charged before the Federal High Court, while his custody was based on a valid remand order issued by a competent court, the Command stated.

It also dismissed claims that nine suspects paid N1 million each to secure bail, reiterating that bail within the Corps is free and that officers are bound by strict professional and ethical standards.

The NSCDC warned that it reserves the right to seek legal redress against individuals or organisations publishing unverified claims capable of damaging the integrity of the Corps.

While reaffirming its respect for the role of the media in a democratic society, the Command urged journalists to verify allegations with relevant authorities before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation.

The Command assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory that it remains committed to protecting lives, property and critical national assets.