An Abuja-based public figure, Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, has come forward with a detailed account of her alleged involvement in a sprawling appointment scam that cost victims hundreds of millions of naira and large sums in foreign currency.
In a personal report submitted to authorities, Tejuosho accused a suspected fraud syndicate of orchestrating a scheme built on false promises of federal government appointments, impersonation of top security officials, and repeated financial demands under the guise of political facilitation.
How It Began
According to her statement, the incident began in November 2023 when she was introduced to a cleric, Malam Hassan Ibrahim Nasir, through a former Nasarawa State official. The cleric later connected her to one Malam Ibrahim Gidado, who allegedly presented himself as a high-ranking operative linked to Nigeria’s security and intelligence network.
Gidado reportedly claimed affiliations with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Intelligence Agency, and the Department of State Services, assuring Tejuosho he had direct access to the Presidential Villa.
Millions Paid in Cash
Trusting these claims, Tejuosho said she initially paid ₦10 million in cash for “processing and security clearance.” Weeks later, she was asked to provide an additional ₦50 million (paid in dollars) to secure a meeting with the President.
The promised meeting never happened.
Instead, the demands escalated. By early 2024, Gidado allegedly introduced a new condition: a total of $1 million for a ministerial appointment. Tejuosho stated she paid $500,000 in installments based on assurances that the process was progressing.
Expanding the Scheme
The alleged scam soon widened beyond her personal case. Tejuosho claimed she was asked to source other interested candidates for top government roles, including positions at the Nigerian Ports Authority, NNPC Limited, and ministerial offices.
Several individuals were introduced and made payments:
- One candidate reportedly paid ₦80 million for a power sector role
- Another paid ₦50 million toward a ministerial slot
- A third paid ₦10 million for a presidential advisory position
In one instance, a potential deal involving $1 billion collapsed after the interested party insisted on a bank guarantee instead of upfront cash.
New Player, Bigger Money
In August 2024, another participant, identified as Mrs. Sholoye, entered the arrangement, expressing interest in leading NNPC Limited. She allegedly paid a staggering ₦585 million in two tranches.
Part of these funds, Tejuosho claimed, was said to be used for “logistics,” including mobilizing protests and media campaigns aimed at influencing leadership changes in the oil sector.
Collapse of the Scheme
By November 2024, when official government appointments were announced, none of the promised positions materialized. Communication with Gidado reportedly broke down shortly after, and he became unreachable.
Victims began demanding refunds.
EFCC Steps In
The मामला took a legal turn when a petition was filed with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Tejuosho confirmed she honored an EFCC invitation in December 2024, where she gave a statement and filed a counter-petition against Gidado, insisting she acted only as an intermediary.
She was later granted administrative bail.
Health Struggles Amid Investigation
Tejuosho also disclosed that her involvement in the case coincided with severe health challenges, including a brain tumor, diabetes, and hypertension. She said her condition worsened significantly in 2025, limiting her ability to actively participate in the investigation.
Her request to seek medical treatment abroad was denied, forcing her to undergo care locally under critical conditions.
Arrest and Ongoing Legal Battle
In November 2025, Gidado was reportedly arrested by the EFCC. However, details of his statements and the status of the investigation remain unclear.
Meanwhile, multiple petitions and a civil case related to the القضية are still pending in court.
Tejuosho says her report is intended to assist authorities in uncovering the full extent of the alleged fraud and recovering funds from the primary suspect, whom she describes as the central beneficiary of the scheme.
