The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into a businesswoman, Stella Ezinne Egotanwa, over allegations that she collected ₦8.29 million from 21 people after promising to secure employment for them at a psychiatric hospital in Enugu State.
The EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate is handling the case following petitions from the alleged victims, who claim they paid money for job placements that never materialised.
In a statement reported on October 20, 2026, the commission said Egotanwa, 45, allegedly collected a total of ₦8,291,200 from the complainants between December 28, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
The alleged employment scheme involved the Neo Psychiatric Hospital in Enugu, with the victims reportedly believing that the businesswoman could help them secure positions at the institution.
According to the EFCC, the case initially involved 16 individuals who accused Egotanwa of collecting a combined ₦6.193 million from them for the promised jobs.
She was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State on July 30, 2026, following complaints from the initial group. She was subsequently handed over to the EFCC on August 26 for further investigation.
During the investigation, five additional individuals submitted petitions, alleging that they had paid another ₦2,098,200 under the same arrangement. Their complaints brought the total number of alleged victims to 21 and the amount involved to ₦8,291,200.
The commission also alleged that the money was collected through several accounts belonging to different Point of Sale (POS) agents.
One petitioner reportedly told investigators that she paid ₦1.05 million on December 28, 2025, because she believed the employment opportunity was genuine. However, she said the job did not materialise and that she later struggled to reach the businesswoman.
The commission further disclosed that Egotanwa is awaiting trial in another case involving similar allegations of employment fraud.
The EFCC said she would be charged in court after the current investigation is concluded. No final court determination of the latest allegations has been reported.
The case highlights the financial risks job seekers face when individuals claim they can guarantee recruitment into government institutions or public hospitals in exchange for money.
Applicants are advised to verify vacancies directly through official recruitment channels and avoid paying individuals who promise guaranteed employment or special access to recruitment officials.
Legitimate public-sector recruitment exercises should be confirmed through the relevant institution’s official announcements. Applicants should also keep receipts, transfer records and messages when reporting suspected recruitment fraud.
The EFCC’s investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against Egotanwa remain subject to legal determination.