Man Impersonates DIG, Defrauds Nigerians With Fake Police Recruitment Scheme
A 28-year-old man, identified as Dauda Samuel, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) for allegedly impersonating the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Frank Mba, and defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians through a fake police recruitment scheme.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the suspect, who was apprehended in Panda Village, Nasarawa State, reportedly created a fraudulent Facebook account using the name and image of DIG Mba, currently in charge of Training and Development at the Force Headquarters.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the arrest followed multiple credible complaints from members of the public who had fallen victim to the scam.
“The suspect exploited the fake identity to promote a fictitious police recruitment exercise, fraudulently extorting money from job seekers under the guise of offering them employment into the Nigeria Police Force,” Adejobi stated.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Dauda Samuel had no official link to the Nigeria Police Force and had been operating the deceptive Facebook account without authorisation for some time.
Upon his arrest, the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and has since been cooperating with investigators, providing useful information that may lead to the arrest of accomplices and the unravelling of a broader cybercrime network.
The Police say digital forensic analysis is ongoing to trace additional evidence and possible collaborators who may be involved in the illicit operation.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to individuals engaging in cybercrime and fraudulent online activities, stressing that the long arm of the law will surely catch up with them.
He also urged Nigerians to be cautious of online schemes and to verify any recruitment or job offer claims before making financial commitments.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
