The Zone 5 Command of the Nigeria Police Force in Benin, Edo State, has begun moves to arraign three suspects over an alleged job scam targeting young Nigerians with fake employment offers linked to NEOLIFE.
The suspects are accused of deceiving job seekers by promising them attractive employment opportunities with the health and wellness company, only to lure them into illegal recruitment schemes.
Police authorities also confirmed that the licence of an independent distributor linked to the activities has been suspended as part of efforts to stop the fraud.
According to findings, the suspects allegedly invited unsuspecting Nigerians, including students and unemployed youths, to attend what they described as job interviews in different parts of Benin City.
However, instead of real job interviews, the victims were reportedly introduced to marketing schemes for NEOLIFE products.
A police source explained that once candidates arrived at the venue, the situation changed.
“At the interview venues, they start coaching them on how to market NEOLIFE products using different tactics. The job seekers are made to believe they are working for the company,” the source said.
The source added that participants were often restricted from leaving the venue or using their phones during the sessions, raising suspicion among some attendees.
Several victims have shared troubling experiences about the alleged scam.
One of them, a widow, said she was invited under the promise of receiving a relief package but ended up in a session focused on selling health products.
“I thought it was a program to support people, but when I got there, they started talking about marketing products. When I tried to leave, they did not allow me,” she said.
Another case involved a young woman who travelled from Warri in Delta State after receiving an invitation for a job interview.
According to police sources, the situation turned tense when she insisted on seeing the person who had contacted her.
“The organisers refused to bring out the person she spoke with. During the argument, she said she was assaulted and her clothes were torn,” the source added.
The incident reportedly caused panic among other attendees and further exposed the activities of the group.
Following complaints and reports from victims, the police launched an investigation into the matter.
The operation led to the arrest of some suspects believed to be connected to the fake job scheme.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 5, Tijani Momoh, said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate.
“I can confirm that some people connected to the fake job interviews have been arrested, while others are still at large,” he said.
He added that police operatives were actively tracking down the remaining suspects and would ensure they are brought to justice.
One of the key suspects reportedly fled after being invited for questioning, prompting a manhunt by security agencies.
Reacting to the development, NEOLIFE denied any involvement in the fake recruitment activities.
The company explained that it does not offer direct employment to individuals but operates through a network of independent distributors.
Speaking on behalf of the company, the Vice President for Field Development in West Africa, Olusanmi Asalu, said the organisation was committed to maintaining high ethical standards.
“We don’t offer individuals jobs. We operate in partnership with independent distributors. So, it is not possible for someone to claim they are employed by NEOLIFE when they are not,” he said.
He added that the company had worked closely with the police to uncover the syndicate and had extended investigations to other parts of the country.
NEOLIFE also reiterated its commitment to protecting its brand and ensuring that innocent Nigerians are not misled.
The incident highlights a growing problem in Nigeria, where many job seekers fall victim to fraudulent recruitment schemes.
With high unemployment rates, especially among young people, many are eager to take up any opportunity that promises income and stability.
This has created an environment where scammers exploit desperation by offering fake jobs, training programmes, or business opportunities.
In recent years, similar scams have been reported in different parts of the country, often involving fake interviews, training fees, or forced participation in questionable marketing schemes.
Job seekers are advised to verify the authenticity of job offers before attending interviews or making any commitments.
They are also encouraged to be cautious of invitations that require them to travel long distances without clear information about the employer.
In addition, companies are being urged to educate the public about their recruitment processes to reduce the chances of impersonation.
The suspects currently in police custody are expected to be charged to court soon.
Authorities say the case will serve as a warning to others involved in similar fraudulent activities.
For victims, the hope is that justice will be served and that measures will be put in place to prevent future occurrences.
As investigations continue, both the police and NEOLIFE have assured Nigerians of their commitment to tackling the problem.
The case has once again drawn attention to the need for stronger systems to protect job seekers and ensure transparency in recruitment processes.
For many young Nigerians, finding a job remains a major challenge. But as this incident shows, the search for employment must be approached with caution.
While opportunities exist, experts warn that not all that appears promising is genuine.