Crime suspect in police handcuff
In a significant crackdown on fraudulent activities, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested Abdullahi Saliu, a resident of Top Quality Hotel, for posing as a Nigerian Army Colonel.
The suspect allegedly swindled victims out of N1.3 million by promising fake job placements in government agencies.
According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the suspect was apprehended following reports of his deceitful practices.
“The suspect defrauded two women, Oshoade Janet and Daisi Remilekun Joy, by falsely promising to secure jobs for their sons in the Nigeria Customs Service and Immigration Service,” Ayanlade stated in a press release issued on Wednesday in Akure.
Investigations revealed that Saliu collected N1,377,000 from the victims, which he misappropriated for personal use.
The police further uncovered that his fraudulent activities extended beyond Ondo, with victims identified in Edo, Delta, and Kogi states.
“Saliu has been on our radar as a notorious job racketeer, impersonating senior officials in various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Immigration, and Customs Services,” Ayanlade disclosed.
The suspect’s tactics involved leveraging his fake personas to deceive unsuspecting citizens, exploiting their trust to extort money. Saliu has since been arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court for prosecution.
Ayanlade emphasized the command’s dedication to curbing crime, stating, “This arrest is one of many recent successes in our ongoing efforts to protect residents and bring fraudsters to justice.”
He also praised the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his strategic leadership, which has bolstered the command’s effectiveness in tackling criminal activities across the state.
The Ondo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the public and urged citizens to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes.
