Fake NYSC Member Arrested for Alleged Scholarship Scam

A man accused of posing as a National Youth Service Corps member to gain trust and collect money from parents has been detained in Abuja.

Authorities say the suspect used forged documents and fake emails to convince families that their children could secure an international scholarship. The case is now raising concerns about education scams and the misuse of trusted institutions.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, FCT Command, has detained a 27-year-old man accused of impersonating a National Youth Service Corps member.

According to officials, the fake NYSC member arrested allegedly used the false identity to obtain employment at the International Model Science Academy, a division of the National Mathematical Centre located in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

The suspect’s identity has not been publicly disclosed.

The case was discussed during a press briefing in Abuja by the FCT Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Olusola Odumosu.

According to the commandant, the fake NYSC member arrested allegedly secured the teaching position by presenting a forged NYSC call-up letter.

However, the National Youth Service Corps later confirmed through an official letter that the suspect was never registered as a corps member.

Investigators say the suspect allegedly collected money from parents while promising to register their children for a Cambridge University scholarship.

Authorities further revealed that the fake NYSC member arrested reportedly created cloned email addresses resembling those of Cambridge University.

Through these emails, he allegedly sent fake confirmation messages to parents who believed their children were being considered for the scholarship.

According to officials, the suspect also collected additional payments while claiming he would:

• Arrange extra lesson teachers for students preparing for the scholarship examination
• Purchase study materials and books to help the children succeed in the exams

Investigators believe several parents may have been affected by the scheme.

Authorities said several items were recovered from the suspect during the investigation, including:

• An NYSC uniform
• A forged NYSC call-up letter
• Documents showing financial transactions from parents
• A bag containing suspected hard drugs

Officials say these items are currently part of the ongoing investigation.

The FCT Commandant also addressed reports circulating online that claimed the agency had been unlawfully detaining the suspect and demanding large sums of money.

Odumosu described the report as misleading and inaccurate.

He explained that the suspect was granted bail but failed to meet the bail conditions. As a result, the command obtained a court remand order to continue holding him legally.

According to the commandant, the amount mentioned in the report referred to funds the suspect allegedly collected from parents and