Hoodlums suspected to be scammers have hacked the Facebook and Instagram accounts of the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie.
NDDC, in a statement by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama in Port Harcourt on Monday, said the hoodlums cloned Ebie’s Facebook account and hacked his Instagram account, ostensibly to use the compromised accounts to defraud unsuspecting persons.
“It has come to our notice that some fraudulent individuals have hacked the social media handles of the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Chiedu Ebie.
“The criminally-minded people cloned the Chairman’s Facebook account and hacked his Instagram account, ostensibly to use the compromised accounts to defraud unsuspecting persons.
“The impersonators are equally using the name and logo of the NDDC to send out dubious business proposals.
“Clearly, the cloned accounts are being used to dupe members of the public and in the process, bring the NDDC and its management to disrepute. The security agencies have been alerted to investigate and bring the criminals to justice.
“The public is hereby advised to be guided and careful not to fall prey to the scams and schemes of these impostors claiming to represent the NDDC and its officials,” the statement reads in part.
While efforts were being made to recover the compromised accounts, the NDDC cautioned the public to avoid transacting with the faceless and dubious scammers.
“Anyone who deals with such persons or entities does so at his or her own risk and peril. The NDDC will not be liable for any loss or damage from such transactions,” the statement said.
It further advised the public to report suspicious or fraudulent online activities to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
Those with genuine businesses with NDDC are also advised “to cross-check facts at the Commission’s official website (www.nddc.gov.ng) and our verified social media handles.
