Tejuosho speaks out on alleged Abuja appointment scam exposes alleged fraud involving fake federal roles and millions paid by victims

HRH Dr Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, an Abuja-based public figure, has accused a suspected fraud syndicate of orchestrating a far-reaching appointment scam involving alleged impersonation of senior security officials and false promises of federal government positions.

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In a formal report submitted to authorities, Tejuosho detailed how the alleged scheme began in November 2023 when she was introduced to cleric Malam Hassan Ibrahim Nasir by a former Nasarawa State official.

The cleric later connected her to Malam Ibrahim Gidado, who purportedly claimed links to Nigeria’s top security institutions.

According to Tejuosho, Gidado presented himself as an influential operative with access to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Intelligence Agency, and the Department of State Services, and claimed he could secure high-level federal appointments.

Tejuosho said she paid an initial ₦10 million in cash for what was described as mobilisation and security clearance, followed by an additional ₦50 million equivalent in United States dollars to facilitate access to the Presidency.

The Tejuosho Abuja Appointment Scam allegations further state that Gidado later demanded $1 million for a ministerial role, of which she paid $500,000 in instalments between January and February 2024.

The situation intensified when Gidado allegedly encouraged her to introduce other prospective candidates for government positions.

Several individuals, including business figures and political aspirants, were reportedly drawn into the arrangement, collectively contributing hundreds of millions of naira.

Among those cited was a candidate for a top role at Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc who allegedly paid ₦80 million, alongside another aspirant who reportedly paid ₦50 million for a ministerial slot.

A separate individual is said to have paid ₦10 million for a Senior Special Assistant position.

In a particularly striking development, a Lagos-based businesswoman identified as Mrs Sholoye allegedly paid ₦585 million in two instalments after being promised the role of Group Managing Director of NNPC Limited.

Tejuosho claimed that part of these funds was channelled into controversial mobilisation efforts, including alleged sponsorship of protests aimed at influencing leadership decisions in the oil sector.

Tejuosho stated that she personally transferred an additional ₦200 million to Gidado between September and October 2024, bringing the total sums involved to staggering levels across multiple transactions.

However, by November 2024, official government appointments were announced without any of the promised placements materialising.

The development triggered demands for refunds from affected individuals, after which the suspect allegedly ceased communication.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, following petitions from aggrieved parties.

Tejuosho confirmed she honoured an invitation from the commission in December 2024 and provided a full statement, insisting she acted only as an intermediary.

She also filed a counter-petition identifying Gidado as the principal actor in the alleged fraud.

Tejuosho disclosed that she was granted administrative bail in early 2025 but has since faced serious health challenges, including a brain tumour, diabetes, and hypertension, which she said have limited her participation in ongoing investigations.

Her legal representatives have reportedly communicated her medical condition to authorities while urging intensified efforts to recover funds from the main suspect.

In a significant twist, Tejuosho confirmed that Gidado was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in November 2025. Details of his statements and the current status of the investigation remain unclear.

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The case continues to unfold, with multiple petitions and court proceedings pointing to what observers describe as one of the most complex and high-value appointment scams in recent years.