RismadarVoice Reporters
October 20, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into a 45-year-old businesswoman, Stella Ezinne Egotanwa, over allegations that she defrauded 21 job seekers of ₦8,291,200 through promises of employment at a psychiatric hospital in Enugu State.
According to a statement attributed to the commission’s Enugu Zonal Directorate, the suspect allegedly collected money from individuals seeking employment at the hospital but failed to secure the promised positions.
The EFCC disclosed that Egotanwa was initially arrested on July 30, 2026, by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State following complaints from 16 individuals.
The complainants alleged that they paid her a combined ₦6,193,000 after she claimed to possess the connections required to facilitate their employment.
Despite making the payments, the applicants reportedly received no job offers.
The suspect was subsequently transferred to the EFCC on August 26, 2026, for further investigation into the allegations.
During the investigation, five additional complainants reportedly submitted petitions against Egotanwa, alleging that they had collectively lost ₦2,098,200 through similar employment promises.
The additional complaints brought the total number of alleged victims to 21 and the disputed amount to ₦8,291,200.
One petitioner claimed to have paid ₦1,050,000 on December 28, 2025, believing that the employment opportunity presented was genuine.
The complainant alleged that the promised appointment never materialised and that attempts to contact the suspect became increasingly difficult.
According to the EFCC, preliminary investigations indicated that the alleged transactions occurred between December 28, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
Investigators reportedly discovered that payments were received through accounts belonging to different Point of Sale (POS) agents.
The commission further alleged that Egotanwa admitted involvement in the transactions during questioning.
It also disclosed that the suspect was already facing trial in a separate case involving allegations of employment fraud.
The EFCC said investigations were continuing and that the suspect would be charged before a competent court upon their conclusion.
The development highlights the risks associated with recruitment schemes in which applicants are asked to pay individuals who claim to have influence over employment decisions.
Members of the public are encouraged to verify recruitment opportunities directly with the institutions concerned and avoid making payments to unauthorised intermediaries.
The allegations against Egotanwa remain subject to judicial determination, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
