A suspected impostor posing as a Nigerian Air Force officer has been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command after allegedly defrauding a Point of Sale operator in Ibadan. The suspect, identified as Yusuf Abdullahi, was apprehended on June 9 at around 1:40 p.m. in the Iwo Road area of Ibadan while still wearing military camouflage. He is accused of deceiving a POS operator, Mrs. Ayedun Abisola Adedoyin, who resides in the Oke-Padre area, by pretending to be a serving sergeant in the Nigerian Air Force.
The incident reportedly occurred on June 1 when the suspect visited Ogunpa Market in Ibadan. There, he purchased items including a cooking gas regulator and an air freshener from a trader. He then approached Mrs. Adedoyin, introduced himself as a Nigerian Air Force sergeant, and convinced her to hand over N150,000 in cash. He claimed he would electronically transfer the money along with payment for the goods he had bought. However, after receiving the cash and the items, he vanished without making any transfer.
The fraud was reported to the Iyaganku Police Division, prompting an investigation that led to his arrest. Police sources revealed that Yusuf Abdullahi had been previously arrested by the same division for a similar offence. He was then handed over to the Nigerian Air Force Base in Akobo, Ibadan, for prosecution and disciplinary action. This recent arrest marks a repeat of the same fraudulent behavior.
During interrogation, police detectives contacted Flight Lieutenant Amuda, a serving officer attached to the NAF Base in Akobo but currently stationed in Adamawa State. Flight Lieutenant Amuda confirmed that Yusuf Abdullahi was not a legitimate member of the Nigerian Air Force. This verification solidified the case against the suspect, who is now facing charges related to impersonation and fraud.
Oyo State Police Command has stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the suspect’s activities and whether other victims exist. Authorities are also warning the public to remain vigilant when dealing with individuals claiming to be security personnel. The arrest underscores the need for heightened awareness and caution, especially in financial transactions involving strangers.
This case highlights the growing issue of impostors exploiting public trust in uniformed officers to carry out scams. As law enforcement continues to crack down on such activities, citizens are urged to verify identities and report suspicious behavior. The outcome of this investigation may serve as a deterrent to others attempting similar fraudulent schemes.
Leave a Comment