Court Delivers Justice Of Fraudster Behind Employment Scam In Gombe State

In a landmark ruling on Thursday, February 15, 2024, Justice A. Abdussalam of the Gombe State High Court, situated in Gombe, delivered a decisive blow against fraudulent activities by convicting and sentencing Kelvin Tikus, a 36-year-old employee of the Nigerian Correctional Service, to three years imprisonment for perpetrating an employment scam.

Tikus found himself in the dock after the Gombe Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought forward a one-count charge of fraudulent conversion against him.

The charge, as read by the court, outlined Tikus’s deceitful actions, stating that he, in August 2021 within the jurisdiction of the court, knowingly deceived Sa’ad Umar, a businessman, into transferring the sum of Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N650,000) to his bank account (No: 3818815016 domiciled at First City Monument Bank – FCMB) under false pretences of securing employment at the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. This act constitutes an offence contrary to Section 320 (a) of the Penal Code Law, punishable under Section 322 of the same Law.

Upon entering his plea of “guilty,” Tikus left the prosecution counsel, Mustapha Aliyu, to urge the court for a commensurate conviction and sentencing. Meanwhile, Tikus’s defence counsel, Yusuf Abdullahi, appealed for leniency, citing his client’s status as a first-time offender, his remorse for his actions, and his repayment of the ill-gotten gains to the victim.

Taking into consideration the gravity of Tikus’s actions and the plea for leniency, Justice Abdulssalam handed down a sentence of thirty-six months’ imprisonment, with an alternative fine option.

Tikus’s descent into incarceration began with a complaint from a petitioner who alleged that Tikus had duped him of N650,000.00 under the guise of facilitating employment with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. Despite receiving the payment, Tikus failed to deliver the promised job or refund the petitioner’s money, leading to his apprehension and subsequent trial.

This ruling serves as a stark reminder of the consequences awaiting those who engage in fraudulent activities, especially preying on the hopes and aspirations of innocent individuals seeking legitimate employment opportunities. The swift and decisive action by the Gombe State High Court and the EFCC demonstrates the commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the public from financial exploitation.

Furthermore, this case underscores the importance of vigilance and due diligence when dealing with offers that appear too good to be true. It serves as a cautionary tale for individuals to verify the authenticity of employment opportunities and to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities promptly.

As Tikus begins his term behind bars, justice has been served, albeit delayed, bringing a sense of closure to the victim and sending a clear message to would-be fraudsters that their actions will not go unpunished in the eyes of the law.

In conclusion, let this ruling stand as a beacon of hope for the victims of fraud and a deterrent to those who seek to exploit others for personal gain. May it serve as a reminder that justice, though sometimes slow, will ultimately prevail in the pursuit of truth and fairness.