UK-Based Nigerian Doctor Exposed in BBC Undercover Sting for Alleged Job Scam

In a shocking revelation, a UK-based Nigerian doctor, Dr. Kelvin Alaneme, has been caught in an undercover BBC investigation, allegedly selling fake job opportunities to foreign nationals. The explosive exposé has sent shockwaves across immigration circles, exposing the dark underbelly of fraudulent recruitment schemes.

Dr. Alaneme, a psychiatrist and founder of CareerEdu, an agency in Harlow, Essex, was secretly filmed offering bogus employment opportunities in the UK care sector. The BBC launched the covert operation after numerous online complaints surfaced about CareerEdu’s dubious relocation services.

CareerEdu, which touts itself as a “launchpad for global opportunities catering to young Africans,” claims to have over 9,800 satisfied clients. However, the BBC investigation suggests otherwise, revealing an intricate scam where desperate job seekers were lured with promises of employment—only to be left stranded upon arrival.

The undercover journalist, posing as a potential partner, was offered a lucrative role to help secure care home vacancies. “Just get me care homes. I can make you a millionaire,” Dr. Alaneme was caught saying in a secretly recorded conversation. He reportedly promised £2,000 ($2,600) per vacancy and an additional £500 ($650) commission to those willing to facilitate the operation.

The scheme allegedly involved selling these non-existent vacancies to desperate job seekers in Nigeria, who paid hefty sums believing they were securing legal employment in the UK. One such victim, identified as Praise, a Nigerian man in his mid-30s, claimed he paid over £10,000 ($13,000) for a job that never existed. Upon arrival in the UK, he realized he had been scammed. “If I had known there was no job, I would not have come here. At least, back home in Nigeria, I could find food. Here, you go hungry,” he lamented.

Further digging into the scam exposed discrepancies in employment records. Efficiency for Care, one of the agencies linked to the scandal, reportedly employed just 16 people in 2022 and 152 in 2023. Yet, official records show it issued a staggering 1,234 Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) between March 2022 and May 2023.

Dr. Alaneme was also caught explaining how he allegedly manipulated payroll systems to fabricate employment records. “That [a money trail] is what the government needs to see,” he stated in another secretly recorded conversation.

Despite the damning evidence, Dr. Alaneme has strongly denied all allegations, insisting that CareerEdu is neither a recruitment agency nor a company that provides jobs for cash. In a social media post, he wrote, “I have never scammed or defrauded anyone in my life. And I never will.” He further argued that payments made by victims were transferred to recruitment agents for transportation, accommodation, and training expenses.

However, the BBC report suggests that the scam follows a wider trend of immigration fraud. In 2024, four Nigerians were sentenced in the UK for running an elaborate visa scam, forging over 2,000 marriage certificates to facilitate illegal residency. The latest BBC exposé raises fresh concerns over the exploitation of desperate job seekers and the growing network of fraudulent recruiters profiting from their plight.

As authorities investigate further, victims like Praise remain in limbo, left jobless and struggling to survive in a foreign land. The scandal has sparked an outcry, with many calling for stricter immigration controls and tougher penalties for those found guilty of such fraudulent schemes.

Outrage in Kano: Governor Abba Yusuf Demands Public Parade of Suspected Hunters’ Killers, Compensation for Families

The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has called for the public parade of the suspected killers of 16 hunters lynched in Edo State, while also demanding compensation for their grieving families.

Governor Yusuf made the demand on Monday during a condolence visit by his Edo State counterpart, Monday Okpebholo, at the Kano Government House. His statement comes just 48 hours after the victims were buried in Uromi, Edo State, amidst mourning and outrage from both the northern and Edo communities.

The brutal attack, which saw the hunters accused of being kidnappers and set upon by a mob in Uromi, has sparked nationwide condemnation. The victims were reportedly traveling in a truck when intercepted by a vigilante group. Sixteen of them were killed, while ten others managed to escape.

Describing the killings as “disturbing” and an affront to the sanctity of human life, Governor Yusuf declared, “This cowardly act contradicts the fundamental principles of our society, which are deeply rooted in both Islam and Christianity. So far, 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings. As Kano remains dear to my heart, we will continue to uphold the value of being our brother’s keeper.”

Addressing concerns of possible retaliatory attacks, the governor assured the public that strong security measures had been implemented to prevent any reprisals. He further insisted that the arrested suspects be publicly paraded to bring some measure of relief to the victims’ families and to reinforce the pursuit of justice.

“I call on Governor Okpebholo to ensure that the families of the victims receive fair compensation for their loss. I also commend President Tinubu for his prompt response and commitment to justice by directing security agencies to pursue the perpetrators,” Yusuf added.

Governor Okpebholo, on his part, condemned the killings in Uromi as “barbaric and unacceptable.” Expressing deep sadness over the tragic incident, he stated, “Upon my arrival in Uromi, I met with my Hausa brothers, who have always been supportive. This is a painful and regrettable act.”

He assured the people of Kano that security agencies, under President Bola Tinubu’s directive, were actively pursuing justice. “We have implemented robust security measures, and investigations are ongoing. So far, 14 suspects have been arrested and will be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation. More arrests will follow,” Okpebholo vowed.

A statement by the Kano governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, revealed that some of the victims were from Bankure Local Government Area of Kano State. Itua confirmed that Governor Yusuf was deeply moved by the tragedy and assured that every effort would be made to ensure justice.

“We appreciate Governor Okpebholo for his prompt response to this tragic event. It is well known that our people were returning from Port Harcourt when they were brutally murdered. Governor Okpebholo immediately visited the scene, ensured that the corpses were retrieved, and arranged for their proper burial. He has also made commitments to support the affected families, which he has fulfilled,” Yusuf stated.

The leader of the Arewa community in Edo State, Badamasi Saleh, emphasized that the killings should not be used to create division between Edo residents and the northern community. He pointed out that some people of Uromi had actually tried to rescue the victims.

Similarly, the leader of the Edo community in Kano, Fred Akhigbe, urged both communities to maintain peace and unity. “We appreciate the Governor of Edo State for coming to Kano to personally express his condolences. There was initial apprehension, but we are reassured by the swift actions taken by both state governments,” he stated.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also joined in condemning the killings, calling for a thorough investigation and swift prosecution of those responsible.

“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the gruesome murder of 16 travelers in Edo State. This senseless act of violence is unacceptable and has no place in our society. I condemn this heinous crime and urge authorities to bring the perpetrators to book,” Akpabio said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo, during a visit to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, pledged that all suspects would be handed over to police authorities in Abuja for further interrogation.

As pressure mounts for justice, both state governments are working to ensure that the tragedy does not escalate into further violence. With national attention on the case, the victims’ families, as well as the general public, await swift and decisive action from the authorities.