The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has arrested a 34-year-old man, Akinola Tosin, for fraud and impersonation after he allegedly deceived a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator using a fake bank transfer alert. The arrest, made following a public complaint, highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat rising cybercrime and identity fraud in Nigeria. Tosin was apprehended in Ilorin, the state capital, where he had been posing as a Nigerian Army soldier to gain trust and carry out his fraudulent activities.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Tosin collected N40,600 from the POS operator by presenting a forged debit alert, tricking the victim into believing a transaction had been successfully completed. The suspect, who used a fake military identity card bearing his name, also had military-related paraphernalia that he allegedly used to bolster his false identity. His actions not only undermined public trust but also exploited the credibility associated with military personnel.
According to Ayoola Michael Shola, the NSCDC spokesman, Tosin confessed to engaging in similar fraudulent schemes targeting multiple victims. Investigators also uncovered evidence pointing to a suspected accomplice, Feranmi Idoko Godwin, who remains at large. Authorities are currently intensifying efforts to track down and apprehend the second suspect as part of the broader probe.
Items recovered from Tosin during the arrest include two Opay ATM cards, two UBA ATM cards, two First Bank ATM cards, one PalmPay ATM card, and a National Identity Card. These items are being examined to establish links to other potential fraud cases and to trace any financial transactions linked to the suspect. The NSCDC has confirmed that Tosin will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations, in accordance with relevant Nigerian laws.
Commandant Abbas Ndah Mohammed emphasized the NSCDC’s commitment to maintaining public safety and combating all forms of criminality. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, especially when conducting electronic transactions, and to always verify the authenticity of transfer alerts before releasing cash or goods. The incident serves as a warning about the dangers of impersonation and the importance of due diligence in financial dealings.
This arrest underscores the increasing sophistication of fraudsters in Nigeria, who often exploit public trust in uniformed personnel to carry out scams. As security agencies continue to crack down on such crimes, citizens are reminded to stay cautious and report suspicious activities to the authorities. The case also highlights the need for stronger public awareness and improved verification systems to prevent future incidents.
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