A Lagos-based cyber café operator (name withheld) has allegedly defrauded an admission seeker of N500,000. The applicant, who was seeking admission into Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET) to study Health Assistant, accused the suspect of collecting the money but failing to help her secure admission into the college.

In a petition addressed to the Provost of the institution, Prof Raheem Akewushola, the victim stated that although an agreement of N1.5 million was reached, she deposited N500,000 into the suspect’s account as part payment for the process.

When the victim, whose identity has been withheld, failed to secure the promised admission, the suspect allegedly assured her that she would receive her certificate without attending classes.

Uncomfortable with the arrangement, the applicant demanded a refund of the initial deposit, but the suspect allegedly resorted to threats to silence her.

Reacting, Akewushola issued a statement on Sunday night, condemning the fraudulent act by the cyber café operator. He recalled that during interrogation by the LASCOHET management, which he led, the suspect confessed to the allegations.

The suspect claimed that the admission was not for LASCOHET but for a professional body (CIMB), for which he claimed to be a liaison officer, but he could not provide the full meaning of the acronym.

“Stamp pads from institutions were also retrieved from his shop, and further investigations are ongoing.”

The general public is hereby warned not to transact any business with the suspect in the interest of LASCOHET. “He is neither a staff member nor an agent of the college. Anyone who transacts any business with him does so at their own risk,” Akewushola stated.