Fake ‘Army Colonel’ Busted In ₦1.37m Job Scam – Police Parade Suspect

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected fraudster, Abdullahi Saliu, who allegedly impersonated a senior military officer and duped unsuspecting victims of more than ₦1.37 million in a fake employment scheme.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olushola, and titled “Ondo Police Command Arrests Fake Army Colonel Over ₦1.37m Employment Scam,” the police disclosed that Saliu was apprehended at Top Quality Hotel, where he had been parading himself as a Colonel in the Nigerian Army.

According to the statement, Saliu defrauded two women, Oshoade Janet and Daisi Remilekun Joy, after promising to secure jobs for their children in the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service.

“He obtained the sum of ₦1,377,000 from the victims, which he converted to his personal use,” DSP Olushola revealed.

Investigations further uncovered that Saliu is a serial impersonator with a record of similar fraudulent activities in Edo, Delta, Kogi, and Ondo States. The police noted that he had previously posed as a naval officer, senior immigration officer, and customs officer to carry out job scams.

The suspect has since been arraigned before Magistrate Court 1 in Ondo State to face prosecution.

DSP Olushola hailed the breakthrough as part of the command’s recent successes in cracking high-profile fraud cases. He also commended the Inspector-General of Police for his support and reassured the public of the command’s commitment to safeguarding residents against criminal syndicates.

“The command reaffirms its resolve to protect lives, property, and the interests of all residents, ensuring that fraudsters and criminal-minded individuals are brought to justice,” the statement read.