Janet Ogundepo
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research has alerted the public to a fake LinkedIn account impersonating the Institute’s Director-General, Professor John Obafunwa, and sending fraudulent messages to unsuspecting individuals.
In a statement signed by the Media Consultant to the Institute, Mr. Sam Eferaro, NIMR cautioned the public to disregard and ignore any messages purportedly from the Director-General offering procurement opportunities, contracts, or any form of business engagement, noting that such messages are fraudulent.
The Institute emphasised that, in line with established public service procedures, all official interactions with vendors, contractors, partners, and members of the public are conducted strictly through recognised and formal institutional channels, and not through unsolicited social media communications.
NIMR further clarified that the DG maintains only one official LinkedIn account under his full name.
“Any other LinkedIn or social media account, including one operating under the name ‘John Obafunwa,’ is false, unauthorised, and does not emanate from him or from the Institute.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to avoid engaging with and to disregard and report any such suspicious or impersonating accounts to the relevant social media platforms.
“The Institute is taking appropriate steps to address this misrepresentation and safeguard the public from potential fraud,” the statement said.
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