Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has arrested a 34-year-old man, Akinola Tosin, for allegedly defrauding a Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator using a fake bank transfer alert and impersonating a member of the Nigerian Army.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC 1 Ayoola Michael, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Ilorin.
Michael said the suspect was arrested following a complaint lodged by a PoS operator who alleged that Tosin obtained cash through a fraudulent transaction.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect collected N40,600 from the operator after presenting a fake debit alert as proof of payment.
“The suspect deceived the victim into believing that a successful transfer had been made before collecting the cash,” he said.
The NSCDC spokesman further stated that investigations uncovered that the suspect had allegedly been impersonating a member of the Nigerian Army using a fake military identity card bearing his name.
He added that military-related paraphernalia were also recovered from the suspect and were allegedly used to gain public trust and facilitate his activities.
Michael said the suspect confessed to previous fraudulent dealings involving multiple victims during interrogation.
He added that investigations also revealed the involvement of a suspected accomplice identified as Feranmi Idoko Godwin, who is currently at large.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and conclude investigations into the matter,” he said.
Items recovered from the suspect include two Opay ATM cards, two UBA ATM cards, two First Bank ATM cards, one PalmPay ATM card and a National Identity Card.
The spokesman said the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon the conclusion of investigations.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Abbas Ndah Mohammed, reiterated the Corps’ commitment to combating crime and protecting residents of the state.
Mohammed urged members of the public to remain vigilant and ensure they verify electronic transactions before releasing cash, goods or other valuables.
He also advised residents to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies for necessary action.
