An Abuja-based figure, HRH Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, has accused a suspected fraud network of masterminding a large-scale appointment scam involving the impersonation of top security officials and false promises of federal government jobs.
In a formal report submitted to authorities, Tejuosho explained that her ordeal began in November 2023 when a former Nasarawa State official introduced her to a cleric, Malam Hassan Ibrahim Nasir. The cleric later connected her to one Malam Ibrahim Gidado, who allegedly posed as a senior operative with links to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Intelligence Agency, and the Department of State Services.
According to Tejuosho, Gidado claimed he had direct access to the Presidential Villa and could secure high-level government appointments. Believing these claims, she said she paid ₦10 million in cash for “mobilisation and security clearance,” followed by another ₦50 million equivalent in U.S. dollars to facilitate access to the Presidency.
She further alleged that the suspect later demanded $1 million for a ministerial position, out of which she paid $500,000 in instalments between January and February 2024.
The situation reportedly expanded as Gidado encouraged her to bring in other interested individuals seeking top government roles, including managing director positions in federal agencies. Acting as an intermediary, Tejuosho said she introduced several businessmen and political aspirants who collectively paid hundreds of millions of naira.
Among them was a candidate for the top position at Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, who allegedly paid ₦80 million, while another aspirant reportedly paid ₦50 million for a ministerial slot. A different individual also paid ₦10 million for a Senior Special Assistant role.
In one of the largest transactions, a Lagos-based businesswoman identified as Mrs. Sholoye allegedly paid ₦585 million in two instalments after being promised the position of Group Managing Director of NNPC Limited. Tejuosho claimed part of the funds was used for controversial “mobilisation activities,” including the alleged sponsorship of protests to influence leadership changes in the oil sector.
She added that she personally handed over an additional ₦200 million to Gidado between September and October 2024, bringing the total sums involved to extremely high levels across multiple deals.
However, when official government appointments were announced in November 2024 without any of the promised placements materialising, affected individuals began demanding refunds. Tejuosho said the suspect subsequently went into hiding and cut off all communication.
The case was later reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following multiple petitions. Tejuosho confirmed she honoured an EFCC invitation in December 2024 and provided a detailed statement, maintaining that she merely acted as a conduit for the funds and did not benefit from the scheme.
She also filed a counter-petition against Gidado, identifying him as the central figure in the alleged fraud.
Tejuosho disclosed that she was granted administrative bail in early 2025 but has since been battling serious health conditions, including a brain tumour, diabetes, and hypertension, which have affected her ability to participate fully in ongoing investigations.
Her legal team, she said, has kept authorities informed of her medical situation while urging the EFCC to intensify efforts to recover the funds from the main suspect.
In a recent update, she confirmed that Gidado was arrested by the EFCC in November 2025, although details of his statements and the progress of the investigation remain unclear.
The case, now the subject of multiple petitions and legal actions, continues to unfold as investigators work to unravel what could rank among the most complex appointment scams in recent times.
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