NSCDC Exposes Fake NYSC Member Who Cloned Cambridge Emails to Defraud Parents

NSCDC Exposes Fake NYSC Member Who Cloned Cambridge Emails to Defraud Parents

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has dismissed recent media claims alleging that the corps demanded bribes and unlawfully detained suspects, while revealing that a fake NYSC member was behind a sophisticated scholarship fraud targeting parents. The clarification was made by Dr. Olusola Odumosu, NSCDC FCT Commandant, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

According to Odumosu, investigations showed that 27-year-old Joseph Nanmwa Philips from Plateau State was an impostor who forged his NYSC call-up letter to secure placement at the International Model Science Academy, Kwali, a subsidiary of the National Mathematical Centre. Philips allegedly collected over ₦1.3 million from parents under the pretense of registering their children for Cambridge University scholarships, sending fraudulent confirmation emails from cloned Cambridge email addresses, and instructing parents not to verify with the university.

Philips was arrested on February 6, 2026, by NSCDC officers in Kwali following complaints of forgery, hacking, and impersonation. He was transferred to the FCT Command on February 9, 2026, interrogated, and granted bail under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, though he failed to meet bail conditions. A remand order from a Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja was subsequently obtained in accordance with legal procedures.

READ ALSO:

• Lawmakers Switch Allegiance: 6 Reps Join APC, 6 Join ADC
• Court Grants ICPC Access to Examine Devices Seized from El-Rufai’s Home
• UK Announces Airspace Restrictions, Road Closures for Tinubu’s State Visit

During the briefing, Odumosu denied claims that the NSCDC demanded ₦1.4 million as a ‘Commandant’s charge’, clarifying that the sum referenced the fraudulent funds collected by Philips, which were to be returned to victims. He also refuted allegations of mistreatment or starvation of suspects, emphasizing that the corps feeds all detainees at least twice daily in line with ACJA provisions.

Evidence against Philips includes a disclaimer letter from the NYSC FCT office, statements from seven defrauded parents, a forged NYSC call-up letter, an NYSC uniform, and documents showing financial transactions. Philips admitted forging the call-up letter during interrogation.

Odumosu further disclosed that the recent media report was allegedly sponsored by Chimezie Otuojo, a separate suspect on administrative bail, in an attempt to discredit the NSCDC. The commandant also addressed a separate report concerning a 69-year-old man, clarifying that his detention and bail proceedings were fully lawful following complaints involving ₦217 million criminal breach of trust, and no illegal demands were made.

The NSCDC warned that it may take legal action against media outlets or individuals publishing unverified claims capable of damaging the corps’ reputation. Odumosu reassured the public that the NSCDC remains committed to protecting lives, property, and critical national assets, urging government agencies and private organizations to verify the identities of individuals presenting NYSC placements to prevent future fraud.

 

NSCDC Exposes Fake NYSC Member Who Cloned Cambridge Emails to Defraud Parents