ICPC uncovers foreign scam account targeting Nigerians with fake 6-week degree offers

In a disturbing revelation, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has disclosed the discovery of a bank account operated by a foreign national to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians through fake six-week degree programs abroad.

Dr. Aliyu made the announcement in Abuja on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ advocacy event focused on asset tracing, recovery, and management. The event was organized by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) with support from the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).

According to the ICPC boss, the account was set up specifically to receive payments from Nigerian victims who believed they were enrolling in accelerated international degree programs.

Aliyu noted: “Within some weeks, we were able to discover that a foreigner opened an account in Nigeria while Nigerian students are paying money into the account in order to obtain that six-week degree. And we were able to track the account.

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“We obtained a civil forfeiture order. We have been trying to put in much effort to ensure that the culprits are brought to book, most especially those that are beyond our shores.”

He stressed the need for all corruption agencies and other agencies in the country to work together in synergy to ensure that those who engage in corruption do not benefit from their own crime.

“We have been making efforts to see how we can come together in order to ensure that we recover assets beyond the African region. Because, as we know, Africa has been a victim of this issue of illicit financial loss.

“And also, if you could recall, we remember that since the time of slavery, Africa has been losing a lot of resources. We know where these properties are going, but they keep on telling us that you have a challenge of corruption.

“But the issue is the victim is being blamed. We are victims of corruption, but they keep on blaming us. That is why at the regional level, we are now trying to see how we can work together to ensure that we recover, trace, recover and repatriate the property back to our own continent.”

In his opening remarks, CeFTPI Executive Director, Umar Yakubu, disclosed that the event brought together key stakeholders from anti-corruption institutions, law enforcement, the judiciary, civil society, and international development partners to explore collaborative pathways in asset recovery, strengthen accountability, and launch innovative mechanisms that support transparency and citizen engagement.