N15m scam: 60 varsity students lose tuition fees

to 28-year-old Delta student

In a shocking case of alleged fraud, a 28-year-old student, Jeremia Elele, has been arrested for defrauding about 60 new students of the university of N15 million meant for their tuition fees.

The police spokesperson in Delta State, Bright Edafe, said in a video clip uploaded on his X handle that Mr. Elele separately collected monies from victims in order to help them pay their tuition fees. Each of the students gave him between N250,000 and N300,000 to pay their tuition fees.

The victims all secured admission into the university through the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB).

Mr. Edafe said during interrogation that Jeremia Elele, a 28-year-old student, 'misused' the funds. He claimed to have bought between 11 and 15 dogs and sold them, but used the remaining funds for personal expenses.

The suspects claimed to have collected the funds from 31 students, not 60 as alleged. He further said he used the money to buy dogs and for his personal expenses. Mr. Edafe interrupted the suspect, reminding him that 60 students were affected by his alleged scam. 'This your story can’t work for me,' Mr. Edafe said.

He further said the suspect had paid his own tuition fees using the money collected from the students.

This is a very disturbing case of alleged scam. According to Mr. Edafe, 'This is what we call man's inhumanity to man.'

One of the affected students said he trusted Mr. Elele with his N210,000 school fees because he helped him pay for an attendance via the university’s software application. He claimed Mr. Elele said he was working with the school and that he signed as a surety with the school for the payment. Four other victims reported that they gave the suspect N256,000 each to pay their tuition fees.

Victims of Jeremia Elele's alleged scam react

'I trusted him with my school fees which was N210,000 because he claimed he could pay it and that he was working with the school.'

In a video clip posted on his X handle, Mr. Edafe introduced the victims who shared their experiences. Four victims reported that they gave the suspect N256,000 each to pay their tuition fees.

The Delta State police spokesperson further said that the suspect has been taken into custody and an investigation is ongoing.

The affected students are advised to report to the police with any information they may have that will aid in the investigation.

The case has sparked widespread outrage on social media. Many Nigerians have expressed disappointment and concern over the situation.

### Key Facts

  • N15 million was defrauded from 60 students.
  • Each of the students gave between N250,000 and N300,000 to the suspect.
  • The suspect paid his own tuition fees using the monies collected from the students.
  • The suspect bought between 11 and 15 dogs and used the remaining funds for personal expenses.
  • The investigation is ongoing.
  • The affected students are advised to report to the police with any information they may have that will aid in the investigation.