A 35-year-old man, Temigbe Jamiu, who allegedly pretended to be a serving member of the Nigerian Army, has been arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command.
The Command’s spokesperson, Olusola Ayanlade, revealed this in a statement issued to journalists in Akure, the state capital.
Ayanlade said the suspect fraudulently collected ₦1,200,000 from one Mr. Temiloluwa.
“The funds represent the hard-earned retirement benefits of the victim’s mother, which had been invested in properties,” he said.
Further explaining the circumstances surrounding the arrest, Ayanlade noted that the victim had sought the suspect’s assistance to recover the retirement benefits.
However, Jamiu, acting alongside accomplices who are still at large, allegedly abused the victim’s trust, took the money, and converted it for personal use.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to the fraud and disclosed that he had been discharged from the Nigerian Army in 2023 after previously serving at the 82 Division, Enugu.
Ayanlade mentioned that efforts are ongoing to track down and prosecute the remaining individuals involved in the fraud scheme.
“The suspect is currently in lawful custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. Efforts to arrest the remaining accomplices are ongoing, reflecting the Command’s resolve to ensure that all parties involved in criminal activities are brought to justice,” he stated.
He reiterated the Command’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of residents and encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.