Police arrest fake army colonel over job scam

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested one Abdullahi Saliu for allegedly posing as a senior military officer and defrauding unsuspecting citizens through fake employment schemes.

Police spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Wednesday, describing it as part of the command’s achievements in tackling crime and fraud in the state.

According to Ayanlade, Saliu, who was picked up at Top Quality Hotel, posed as a Colonel in the Nigerian Army and swindled two women—Oshoade Janet and Daisi Remilekun Joy—of N1.37 million under the guise of securing jobs for their children in the Nigeria Customs and Immigration Services.

“Investigations revealed that the suspect has been on our watchlist as a notorious job racketeer, operating across Ondo, Edo, Delta and Kogi States,” Ayanlade said.

“He is known for impersonating senior officers of the Army, Navy, Immigration and Customs in order to defraud unsuspecting victims.”

The police spokesperson added that the suspect has already been arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Akure for prosecution.

Ayanlade reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting residents against fraudsters and criminal elements, while commending the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for providing the leadership that has strengthened policing efforts in the state.