The National Industrial Court has raised the alarm over a fraudulent scheme involving an individual or group of persons impersonating its President, Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip, PhD, OFR, to solicit contracts, payments and financial assistance from unsuspecting members of the public.
In a public notice issued by the Court and titled “Warning Against Fraudulent Contract Solicitation and Impersonation”, the impersonator was said to be using the name and identity of the President of the Court to communicate with members of the public and solicit contract opportunities and money.
The Court identified +234 707 532 0106 as the telephone number being used by the impersonator.
Part of the notice reads “The attention of the general public is hereby drawn to a fraudulent attempt by an individual or persons unknown to impersonate the President of the Court, Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip, PhD, OFR, for the purpose of soliciting contracts and/or obtaining money from unsuspecting members of the public.
“It has come to the attention of the Court that the impersonator is using the name and identity of the President of the Court to communicate with members of the public and solicit contract opportunities, payments and other forms of financial assistance through the telephone number: +234 707 532 0106
“The Court wishes to categorically state that the above telephone number does not belong to, and is not authorised to be used by, the President of the Court.
“Members of the public are therefore strongly advised to disregard any message, call, WhatsApp communication or other correspondence emanating from the said number purportedly from the President of the Court. The public is further cautioned against making payments, transferring funds, disclosing confidential information or entering into any contractual arrangement based on such communication.
“The Court is taking the matter seriously, and all necessary efforts will be made to bring the fraudulent activities to the attention of the appropriate security agencies for investigation and necessary action.
“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and to verify any purported contract offer or official communication through the authorised channels of the Court.
“The Court completely dissociates itself from the activities of the impersonator and urges anyone who receives such solicitation to report the matter promptly to the appropriate authorities.”