The Management of the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun, has issued a strong public alert warning Nigerians, media organisations, contractors, students, stakeholders, and members of the public against fraudulent social media accounts impersonating the Principal and Chief Executive of the Institute, Samuel Onoji.

In a press statement dated May 24, 2026, the Institute disclosed that cybercriminals have created fake Facebook, Instagram, X formerly known as Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts using the official name, photographs, and designation of Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji in a calculated attempt to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals.

The management described the development as disturbing and criminal, emphasising that the fraudulent accounts are not connected in any way to the office of the Principal/Chief Executive or the official communication channels of the institution.

According to the statement, the fraudsters allegedly use the fake accounts to solicit money from unsuspecting victims under the false pretense of facilitating admissions, job placements, contracts, and other unofficial transactions purportedly linked to PTI. The impostors were also accused of requesting sensitive personal and financial information from staff, students, contractors, and members of the public while spreading misleading information falsely attributed to the office of the Principal/Chief Executive.

The institution categorically clarified that Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji does not operate any personal Facebook account for official PTI business and has not authorised any individual, agent, or group to represent him through any unofficial social media platform. The management further stressed that the Principal/Chief Executive does not demand money, gifts, or confidential information from anyone through social media channels.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and institutional integrity, the management urged the public to rely strictly on PTI’s verified communication channels for authentic information concerning the activities of the Institute. The officially recognised platforms include the Institute’s website, official Facebook page, official X handle, and official email addresses.

The management advised the public to immediately disregard and report any suspicious friend requests, messages, or online posts from accounts claiming to represent Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji. Nigerians were also warned against sending money or releasing banking and personal information to individuals posing as representatives of the PTI leadership on social media.

The Institute further appealed to media organisations and stakeholders to assist in amplifying the warning in order to prevent more innocent persons from falling victim to the fraudulent scheme. PTI noted that cyber-related impersonation and identity theft have become growing concerns in the digital age, making public vigilance and prompt verification increasingly important.

While regretting any inconvenience or embarrassment the activities of the fraudsters may have caused, the management reassured the public of its determination to protect the reputation of the institution and safeguard stakeholders from cyber-enabled criminal activities.

For clarification and verification of information relating to PTI, the Institute advised members of the public to contact its Public Affairs Department through its official communication channels.

Further information is available through PTI Official Website and the Institute’s verified communication platforms