Ebonyi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Francis Ori, Friday raised the alarm over the activities of fraudulent individuals impersonating him to dupe unsuspecting members of the public.
This was as the commissioner
said that a greater number of innocent citizens of the state have been defrauded millions of naira over the pretence of offering them government contracts and job opportunities, warning that government contracts are not awarded over phone calls.
He further stated that the activities of the fraudulent individuals has become “worrisome and damaging,” adding that he has no private dealings involving the award of contracts or job placements outside official government procedures.
He said: “A few weeks ago, I received a call from someone claiming I promised him a job. I was surprised because I had no such discussion with him. Before now, lots of people have visited my office alleging that there are individuals using my name and photo to promise them contract approvals in exchange for money.
“In one instance, a victim claimed to have lost over ₦1,050,000, while another group said they paid ₦650,000 to the same impersonator.
“The victims had even spoken on the phone with the fraudster who identified himself as “Ori Francis,” using a blue line phone number (08057778683) that displayed my name, a tactic that convinced the victims of the scammer’s authenticity.
“I showed them my official portrait and asked if that was the person they had been speaking with. It was then they realised they had been scammed. We immediately reported the matter to the police, DSS, and other security agencies.”
The commissioner stated that all contracts and employment opportunities in his ministry follow due process and are supervised by the Ebonyi State Public Procurement Council, adding that jobs “are not discussed over the phone or through intermediaries.”
Ori admonished members of the public to verify any information by visiting the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development directly rather than relying on social media or phone calls.
He noted that the victims have made official statements with the police and that security agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators.
“We have never awarded any job without it going through the Ebonyi State Public Procurement Council. Jobs are advertised publicly, and only eligible and qualified companies are considered. No one should claim to offer jobs on my behalf.
“If anyone claims to be the Commissioner for Housing and offers you a job, walk into the office and confirm. If you don’t meet me in person here, you are dealing with a fraudster.
“The police, DSS, and other security agencies are on the matter. The essence of this briefing is to clear my name and warn the public to desist from dealing with anyone posing as me. An impostor is seriously damaging my reputation. I don’t know how many more people he has defrauded. Please help me put the record straight,” he added.
