Ondo Police Arrest Fake Army Colonel Over ₦1.37m Job Scam

The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a suspected fraudster, Abdullahi Saliu, who allegedly paraded himself as a senior military officer and duped unsuspecting victims of over ₦1.37 million in a fraudulent job scheme. The suspect, according to the police, had been posing as a Colonel in the Nigerian Army before his eventual arrest.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olushola, and titled “Ondo Police Command Arrest Fake Army Colonel Over ₦1.37m Employment Scam”, the force revealed that Saliu was tracked to Top Quality Hotel, where he had been operating under the false identity of a high-ranking officer.

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Fraudulent Employment Racket

According to the police, Saliu deceived two women, Oshoade Janet and Daisi Remilekun Joy, after promising to secure employment for their children in the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service. Believing his claims, the victims reportedly paid him a total of ₦1,377,000. However, instead of delivering on his promise, Saliu converted the funds for personal use.

DSP Olushola disclosed that investigators discovered the suspect had a pattern of preying on desperate job seekers by impersonating senior officers in the military and other paramilitary agencies. He said the arrest was the outcome of diligent intelligence gathering and swift police action aimed at clamping down on impersonators who exploit citizens.

“This suspect, Saliu Abdullahi, obtained the sum of ₦1,377,000 from his victims under the guise of securing jobs for their children in government agencies,” Olushola confirmed.

A Notorious History of Impersonation

Further investigations revealed that Saliu had a long and notorious history of impersonation across multiple states, including Edo, Delta, Kogi, and Ondo. Police records indicated that he was a seasoned fraudster who had previously disguised himself as a naval officer, a senior immigration officer, and even a customs officer in order to defraud unsuspecting citizens.

The Command described him as a “notorious job racketeer” whose fraudulent schemes had left a trail of victims across different regions of Nigeria. Authorities stressed that his methods typically involved exploiting the desperation of citizens seeking employment opportunities for themselves or their loved ones, thereby luring them into parting with large sums of money.

According to the police, Saliu perfected his tactics by maintaining a convincing appearance of authority, often frequenting hotels and public spaces where he showcased himself as a senior officer capable of influencing recruitment into federal agencies.

Legal Proceedings Commence

Confirming the next steps, DSP Olushola said Saliu had already been arraigned before Magistrate Court 1 in Ondo State for prosecution. The police assured that the case would be pursued diligently to ensure that justice is served and victims receive closure.

“This feat represents one of the several cases successfully cracked by the Ondo State Police Command in recent times,” Olushola said.

The Command further explained that the arrest demonstrates its commitment to dismantling fraudulent networks and preventing unsuspecting citizens from falling prey to similar scams.

Police Reassures Residents

While commending the Inspector-General of Police for providing necessary support, the Ondo State Command reassured residents of its dedication to maintaining law and order. The statement emphasized the need for vigilance among citizens and urged the public to report any suspicious activity involving individuals claiming to influence recruitment into government services.

“The Command seizes this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to protecting the lives, property, and interests of all residents, while ensuring that fraudsters and criminally minded elements are brought to justice,” the statement read.

Security experts have described the case as a reflection of the growing menace of employment racketeering in Nigeria. With rising unemployment levels, fraudsters have continued to exploit vulnerable job seekers through false promises of recruitment into the military, police, and paramilitary organizations.

Broader Implications

The arrest of Saliu highlights the persistent challenge of impersonation within the country, where criminal elements exploit the credibility of respected institutions to carry out scams. Observers note that while the police have made commendable progress in exposing such schemes, citizens must remain cautious and avoid making payments to individuals claiming to offer privileged access to jobs in government agencies.

Analysts also argue that the incident underscores the importance of transparent and merit-based recruitment processes in public institutions, as irregularities and lack of openness often create loopholes that fraudsters exploit.

The Ondo State Police Command’s successful arrest of Abdullahi Saliu has once again shed light on the dangers posed by job racketeers masquerading as senior officers. His long track record of deception across multiple states and security agencies paints the picture of a habitual fraudster determined to exploit the vulnerable.

As the legal process unfolds, the case serves as a strong warning to citizens to remain vigilant and avoid falling for too-good-to-be-true offers of employment. It also reinforces the police command’s resolve to ensure that criminals who prey on the desperation of job seekers face the full wrath of the law.