Police officer | File photo
The Ondo state police command has arrested Abdullahi Saliu for allegedly impersonating a Nigerian army colonel to defraud victims of N1.377 million in a fake employment scam.
The suspect, who reportedly operated from Top Quality Hotel in Ondo, allegedly lured two women — Oshoade Janet and Daisi Remilekun Joy — with promises of securing jobs for their sons in the Nigeria customs and immigration services.
Ayanlade Olushola, spokesperson of the command, said investigations showed that Saliu’s fraudulent activities spanned multiple states, including Edo, Delta, Kogi, and Ondo.
The spokesperson said Saliu is famed for impersonating senior officers across various security agencies, including the army, navy, immigration, and customs, to swindle unsuspecting citizens.
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“Through this fraudulent scheme, he obtained the sum of One Million, Three Hundred and Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira (N1,377,000), which he subsequently converted for his personal use,” the statement reads.
“Investigations further revealed that the suspect’s operations cut across state lines, with victims traced to Edo, Delta, Kogi, and Ondo States.
“He has long been on the Command’s watchlist as a notorious job racketeer, known for impersonating senior officers of different security agencies.”
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Olushola said the suspect has been arraigned before Magistrate Court 1 and is currently facing prosecution.
He added that Adebowale Lawal, Ondo police commissioner, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combatting fraud and protecting residents.
