Fake YEIDEP staff nabbed for allegedly scamming six Nigerians of N21M

By Paul Iyoghojie

Two individuals, Susan Great (52) and Raphael Onaiwu Iredia (42), have been remanded in custody by a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly impersonating staff of the Federal Government’s Youth Economic Intervention Programmes (YEIDEP) and defrauding six people of N21 million under false pretences.

According to police reports, the suspects introduced themselves as YEIDEP officials directly working with the programme’s National Coordinator, Comrade Kennedy Iyere.

They allegedly convinced their victims to pay N3.5 million each to secure slots at the so-called 2025 YEIDEP UK Agro-Food Investors Conference, a trip they claimed was fully backed by the Federal Government.

The victims identified in the case include Francess Awero, Oshiomhi Paulinus Osiyemere, Raphael Ohis Afemkhiku, Efedi Godwin Bobmoth, Osasere Couraga Adoghe, and Osasere Denis Adoghe.

Trouble reportedly began when the promised trip failed to materialise and the accused did not return the money.

The victims then petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 Command, Lagos, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, who directed a team led by Inspector Kazeem Oladipo to investigate and arrest the suspects.

Following the investigation, the defendants were arraigned before Chief Magistrate O.O. Olatunji at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, and stealing.

The case was filed under charge number A/63/2025.

Prosecuting counsel DSP Francis Igbinosa told the court that the offences were committed on 7 January 2025 at 35 Igando Road, Ikotun, Lagos.

He said the defendants had no connection with YEIDEP and were not profiled participants in the programme, yet fraudulently collected large sums under the guise of official sponsorship.

The charges are in violation of Sections 411, 314(3), and 280(9b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2025.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty. Magistrate Olatunji granted them bail in the sum of N5 million each, with two sureties in like sum.

He ordered their remand at Kirikiri and Ikoyi Correctional Centres pending the fulfilment of bail conditions and adjourned the case to 1 August 2025 for mention.