The Nigerian Police in Zone 5, Benin, Edo State, are set to arraign three suspects over allegations of luring job seekers with fake employment offers linked to a wellness company, NEOLIFE.

Authorities say the suspects allegedly posed as recruiters, inviting unsuspecting individuals to fake interviews under the guise of offering jobs with the company. Many of the victims were reportedly students and young people hoping to secure employment.

The scam reportedly involved convincing applicants to attend interviews at different locations, where they were instead introduced to product marketing and pressured to promote NEOLIFE products. The company, however, does not directly employ workers but operates through independent distributors.

According to a police source, the sessions were tightly controlled, with attendees restricted from leaving or using their phones. Some victims also recounted troubling experiences during the encounters. One case involved a woman who said she was stopped from leaving a venue after realizing the event was not what she was told.

Another alleged victim, who travelled from Warri in Delta State, reportedly faced harassment after questioning the organisers and demanding to meet the person who invited her. The situation escalated, leading to claims of assault and damage to her clothing.

The police confirmed that while three suspects have been questioned, one of the main individuals linked to the operation is currently on the run. Efforts are ongoing to track and arrest others involved in the alleged scheme.

NEOLIFE, a U.S.-based wellness company operating in several countries, has also reacted to the development. The company stressed that it does not offer direct employment and operates strictly through independent distributors. It described the alleged activities as fraudulent and not connected to its official operations.

A senior representative of the company said investigations have been expanded across different parts of the country to identify those misusing the brand name to deceive the public.

The case highlights growing concerns over fake job schemes targeting young Nigerians, especially in a period where unemployment continues to drive desperate job searches. 

Authorities are urging the public to verify job offers carefully and remain cautious of recruitment processes that seem suspicious or too good to be true.