NIMR raises alarm over fake LinkedIn account impersonating DG

By Chioma Obinna

The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, on Saturday raised an alarm over a fake LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, warning members of the public to ignore and report any messages linked to the fraudulent profile.

In a press statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr. Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the fake account has been sending deceptive messages to unsuspecting individuals, offering non-existent procurement opportunities, contracts, and other business engagements.

“The attention of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research has been drawn to the existence of a fake LinkedIn account impersonating the Director-General of the Institute,” the statement said.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard and ignore any messages purportedly from Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa offering procurement opportunities, contracts, or any form of business engagement, as such messages are fraudulent.”

The institute stressed that all its official dealings with vendors, contractors, partners, and the general public are carried out strictly through recognised and formal institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.

“At no time does the Institute or its Director-General engage in unsolicited business discussions or offers via social media platforms,” NIMR stated.

Clarifying the matter further, the institute said Professor Obafunwa operates only one official LinkedIn account, registered 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,” the statement added.

NIMR urged members of the public to remain vigilant, avoid engaging with such impersonating accounts, and promptly report them to the relevant social media platforms.

“The Institute is taking appropriate steps to address this misrepresentation and to safeguard the public from potential fraud,” it said.

The post NIMR raises alarm over fake LinkedIn account impersonating DG appeared first on Vanguard News.