The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, has raised the alarm over the circulation of fake social media accounts impersonating its Principal and Chief Executive, Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji, warning members of the public against falling victim to online fraudsters.
In a statement issued on May 24, 2026, the institution disclosed that cybercriminals have created fraudulent accounts across Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn using the name, image, and official designation of the PTI boss in a bid to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
The management described the development as both disturbing and criminal, stressing that the fake accounts have no affiliation with the Principal/Chief Executive or any official communication channel of the institute.
According to the statement, the impostors allegedly use the accounts to solicit money from members of the public under the guise of offering admissions, job placements, contract awards, and other unofficial opportunities linked to PTI.
It added that the fraudsters also request sensitive personal and financial information from staff, students, contractors, and other stakeholders while spreading false and misleading statements purportedly from the office of the Principal/Chief Executive.
The institution clarified that Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji does not operate any personal social media account for official PTI matters and has not authorised any individual or group to represent him on unofficial platforms.
“The Principal/Chief Executive does not, under any circumstance, request money, gifts, or confidential information from members of the public via social media,” the statement emphasised.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and institutional integrity, PTI urged the public to rely strictly on its verified communication channels, including the official website, authenticated social media handles, and designated email addresses for accurate information.
The management advised Nigerians to ignore, block, and report any suspicious accounts, messages, or friend requests claiming to represent the institute’s leadership, warning that engaging with such platforms could lead to financial loss and identity theft.
It further appealed to media organisations, stakeholders, and the general public to help disseminate the warning in order to prevent further exploitation of unsuspecting victims.
While expressing regret over any inconvenience caused by the fraudulent activities, PTI reiterated its resolve to protect its reputation and safeguard the public from cyber-related impersonation schemes.
For verification of information, the institute advised members of the public to contact its Public Affairs Department through its official communication channels.
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