The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, has warned members of the public against fraudsters impersonating him on Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media platforms to extort money from unsuspecting job seekers with false promises of securing employment in the Delta State Civil Service.
In a disclaimer issued on Wednesday, Onojaeme revealed that the fraudsters have been using fake social medoia accounts and the WhatsApp number 07055502867 to falsely pose as him while demanding payments in exchange for purported job placements in the state civil service and other government establishments.
The commissioner categorically disowned the phone number, emphasizing that it does not belong to him. He also dismissed claims by the scammers that his official telephone line had been hacked, describing the allegation as a deliberate ploy to mislead the public and lend credibility to their fraudulent activities.
Onojaeme stressed that neither he nor the Delta State Ministry of Health requests or accepts money from anyone in exchange for employment or any government-related service.
He explained that recruitment into the Delta State Civil Service and the Ministry of Health follows established government procedures that are transparent, merit-based and completely free of financial inducement.
The commissioner therefore urged members of the public to disregard calls, messages or social media communications from anyone claiming to represent him or offering government jobs in return for payment, warning that anyone who transacts with such fraudsters does so at their own risk.
He further advised residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious communication or recruitment scam to the nearest law enforcement agency or other relevant security authorities for investigation and prosecution.
Onojaeme assured the public that the Ministry of Health is working closely with security agencies to identify, apprehend and prosecute those behind the fraudulent scheme.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the public from criminal activities and ensuring transparency and integrity in all government recruitment processes.
