Former legislative aide sentenced to 8 years for N120m Job Scam

A High Court in Jabi, Abuja, has handed down an eight-year prison sentence to Mr. Goni Yilkan, a former aide to a lawmaker, over fraudulent activities involving the promise of government employment. The case, which exposed a wide-ranging scheme, affected more than 60 job seekers.

Mr. Yilkan, originally from Nguru in Yobe State, was found guilty of deceiving individuals with false assurances of securing federal positions in institutions like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). From January 2020 to December 2021, he orchestrated this scheme, persuading victims to transfer a total of N120.58 million.

The victim, after realising no jobs were offered despite multiple payments, reported the case. This complaint triggered an investigation which ultimately led to the prosecution of Yilkan and his associate Mohammed Adamu. While Yilkan faced conviction, Adamu was acquitted of all charges.

During the trial, the prosecution relied on testimonies from six witnesses and submitted documents as proof of the fraudulent campaign. In contrast, the defence presented two witnesses, including Yilkan himself, who contested the claims.

Officials have mentioned plans to strengthen prevention measures and public awareness campaigns to safeguard citizens from such scams in the future.