Abia Govt Raises Alarm Over Fake ₦65,000 Alex Otti Birthday Giveaway, Warns Residents Against Scammers

The Abia State Government has cautioned residents and the general public against a fraudulent online message claiming that the Otti Foundation is distributing ₦65,000 cash transfers in celebration of Governor Alex Otti’s 61st birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, described the widely circulated message as false and deceptive, warning that it was designed to defraud unsuspecting individuals.

According to the statement, fraudsters have been sharing posts bearing the inscription: “Gov Alex Otti 61st Birthday Celebration Cash Transfer – Gov Alex Otti Giving Out ₦65,000 to Nigerians… Powered by: Otti Foundation.”

Ukoha stressed that neither the Abia State Government, Governor Alex Otti, nor the Alex Otti Foundation had authorised, initiated, or endorsed any birthday giveaway, cash transfer programme, or ₦65,000 payment through any website or online link.

He further revealed that the websites linked to the message are phishing platforms created to steal sensitive information, including personal details, bank account information, Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), One-Time Passwords (OTPs), and money from victims.

“These are phishing sites designed to steal personal information, bank details, BVN, OTPs, and money from unsuspecting victims,” the statement read.

The government warned that clicking on such links or submitting personal information could result in financial losses, identity theft, and unauthorised access to victims’ bank and mobile money accounts.

Residents were urged to disregard the message entirely and refrain from sharing it with others.

“Do not click the links or provide any personal or financial information,” Ukoha advised.

He added that all official announcements, programmes, and information relating to the Abia State Government are communicated exclusively through the state’s official website and verified government social media platforms.