By Grace Simeon, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Francis Ori, has raised alarm over the activities of fraudsters who have been impersonating him to defraud unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of offering government jobs and contracts.
Speaking to journalists at the weekend in his office at Centenary City, Abakaliki, the commissioner expressed concern that the criminals have continued to exploit innocent citizens using his name, photograph, and fake contact details to swindle large sums of money.
“A few weeks ago, I received a call from someone claiming I promised him a job. I was surprised because I had no such discussion with him,” Ori recounted.
According to him, one of the victims reportedly lost ₦1,050,000, while another group of individuals paid ₦650,000 to the impostor, believing they were securing government jobs and contract approvals.
“It’s my pleasure to have you people in my office today to hear from the horse’s mouth and to put the record straight,” he told reporters.
Ori narrated how several victims had approached his ministry, alleging that they were in contact with someone claiming to be “Ori Francis,” who used his photo and name to convince them of authenticity. The impostor even used a phone number (08057778683) that appeared under his name on Truecaller, further deceiving unsuspecting victims.
“I showed them my official portrait and asked if that was the person they had been speaking with. It was then they realized they had been scammed. We immediately reported the matter to the police, DSS, and other security agencies,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that all contracts and employment opportunities within his ministry follow due process and are supervised by the Ebonyi State Public Procurement Council, noting that jobs “are not discussed over the phone or through intermediaries.”
“We have never awarded any job without it going through the Ebonyi State Public Procurement Council. Jobs are advertised publicly, and only eligible and qualified companies are considered. No one should claim to offer jobs on my behalf,” he emphasized.
Engr. Ori also warned members of the public to be cautious and verify all employment or contract-related offers directly with his office before making any financial commitments.
“If anyone claims to be the Commissioner for Housing and offers you a job, walk into the office and confirm. If you don’t meet me in person here, you are dealing with a fraudster,” he cautioned.
When asked about the progress of the investigation, the commissioner confirmed that the victims have already made formal statements to the police and that security agencies, including the DSS, are actively tracking the perpetrators.
“The police, DSS, and other security agencies are on the matter. The essence of this briefing is to clear my name and warn the public to desist from dealing with anyone posing as me,” he explained.
Ori appealed to journalists to help amplify the warning and protect more citizens from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.
“An impostor is seriously damaging my reputation. I don’t know how many more people he has defrauded. Please help me put the record straight,” he pleaded.
The commissioner reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to transparency, due process, and integrity in all government dealings, emphasizing that no shortcuts or backdoor arrangements exist in the award of contracts or recruitment of staff.
