The Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged a civil servant, Oyawoye Olajumoke Fafemi, for allegedly defrauding 23 church members seeking employment.

The 53-year-old staff of Kwara State Ministry of Finance was arraigned before Justice Mohammed Sani of the Federal High Court in Ilorin.

The defendant faces four-count charges, bordering on employment and Hajj pilgrimage scam.

Fafemi was accused of collecting various sums of money from members of Christ Apostolic Church in Offa.

She had promised to help them secure employment in the Kwara State Civil Service Commission and Federal Government parastatals.

EFCC investigations revealed that Fafemi issued fake letters of employment with the Kwara government and Federal Government with their grades and salaries.

One of the counts said between April and September 2019, in Ilorin, she obtained N2million from Moronfoye Solomon Daramola under the pretence of securing government employment.

In another charge, between May and August 2019 in Ilorin, Fafemi collected N700,000.00 from Adeoti Kamoru under the pretence of securing Hajj pilgrimage visa for him.

The offences contravened Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3). Fafemi pleaded not guilty.

Prosecuting counsel, Andrew Akoja urged the judge to give a trial date. Defence counsel, A. T. Yusuf requested bail pending the determination of the case.

Justice Sani granted Fafemi N2million bail and two sureties in like sum. The defendant must submit two of her passport photographs to the court.

The judge adjourned the matter to November 17, 2022 for commencement of trial.