NSCDC Arrests Fake NYSC Member Over ₦1.3m Cambridge Scholarship Scam
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has arrested a 27 year old suspect, Joseph Nanmwa Philips, for alleged impersonation and fraud involving a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) identity.
The FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, disclosed the arrest while presenting the suspect at the command headquarters in Abuja. According to him, Philips was apprehended by NSCDC operatives in Gwagwalada following complaints of impersonation, forgery and online fraud.
Odumosu clarified that the suspect was not a legitimate NYSC member but allegedly forged his NYSC call up letter in order to secure a placement at the International Model Science Academy (IMSA) in Kwali, a subsidiary of the National Mathematical Centre (NMC).
The suspect was arrested on February 6, 2026, by officers from the Corps’ Kwali Division after reports surfaced accusing him of forging documents and impersonating officials of the National Mathematical Centre on social media platforms.
Investigations later revealed that Philips allegedly collected about ₦1.3 million from several parents under the pretense of registering their children for a Cambridge University scholarship programme.
Authorities also alleged that the suspect cloned multiple Cambridge University email addresses and sent fake confirmation messages to unsuspecting parents. He reportedly demanded additional payments for study materials and lessons related to the purported scholarship examination.
The NSCDC command stated that the suspect was interrogated and granted bail under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 but failed to meet the bail conditions due to the absence of a credible surety.
A Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2 subsequently issued a remand order to keep the suspect in custody pending the completion of investigations.
The Corps also dismissed allegations circulating online about unlawful detention and bribery related to the case, describing the claims as false and misleading. According to the command, all actions taken in the investigation followed due legal and judicial procedures.
