The Delta State Police Command has arrested three men suspected of defrauding a community leader of N5.475 million by claiming they could secure his appointment as president-general of his community.
Police said the suspects allegedly posed as senior government officials, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and officials of the Delta State Government.
Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said detectives from the Effurun Area Command arrested the men after an investigation. They were identified as Aghogho Okpogbodu, 51; Moses Exist, 48; and Benjamin Owah, 49.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly used SIM cards registered in the names of prominent public officials and a caller-identification app to make calls appear to come from those officials.
“In one of the cases, the suspects allegedly defrauded a community leader from Otu-Jeremi of the sum of ₦5,475,000 under the pretext of facilitating his appointment as President-General of his community,” the statement said.
A search of the suspects’ premises reportedly yielded seven mobile phones, 17 SIM cards, 12 ATM cards bearing different names, a point-of-sale terminal and documents containing financial and identification details belonging to several people.
Police said investigations were continuing to identify other potential victims and accomplices.
Delta Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale cautioned the public against relying on caller-identification apps to confirm callers’ identities, especially when money or government appointments are involved. He urged anyone who may have been targeted by the suspects or similar scams to share information with investigators.
The command said it remained committed to combating fraud and prosecuting those found responsible.