Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, has suffered a Facebook identity theft from suspected fraudsters on the social media service.
Belema Wakama, Permanent Secretary of the Science and Technology Ministry said in a statement that the alleged Facebook account managed by one Okon Achibong Onu, is one of the latest high-profile targets of criminals that “steal the identity” of others to commit crime on the Internet.
According to the statement, the fraudster directs victims to pay N125,000 into FCMB Account number 3432572018 and Access Bank account number 0019549329 respectively.
[quote font=”georgia” font_size=”22″ font_style=”italic” align=”left” arrow=”yes”]“This fraud is a demonstration of the low level of debauchery some desperate individuals have descended in the inordinate quest to perpetuate criminality and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.”[/quote]The Facebook Account further gave the names and phone numbers of what it calls contact persons namely Evans Olisa 08069684063 and Anthony Harry 07031941188, according to the Ministry.
“For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of innocent and unsuspecting members of the public, it is hereby stated and affirmed that the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, does not operate any Facebook Account as claimed by this fraudulent person and neither has he authorized any person whatsoever to operate and solicit money from innocent Nigerians for non-existent contracts” Wakama said.
“This fraud is a demonstration of the low level of debauchery some desperate individuals have descended in the inordinate quest to perpetuate criminality and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
“Members of the Public are hereby enjoined not to get-involved with this so called Okon Achibong Onu or any other persons as these persons are not known even remotely to the Onu’s family and therefore disclaims any relationship whatsoever with them as regards this Facebook Account,” it adds.