The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a notorious impersonator, Abdullahi Saliu, who posed as a Colonel in the Nigerian Army to swindle unsuspecting victims. Saliu, a resident of Top Quality Hotel, was arrested after a thorough investigation revealed his involvement in a N1.3 million employment scam.

The Scam
Saliu allegedly lured two victims, Oshoade Janet and Daisi Remilekun Joy, into paying him N1,377,000 under the false pretext of securing employment opportunities for their sons in the Nigeria Customs and Immigration Services. However, investigations revealed that Saliu had no connection to the services and used the money for his personal gain.

Investigation and Arrest
Further investigations exposed Saliu’s widespread operations, with victims traced to several states, including Edo, Delta, Kogi, and Ondo. The suspect had been impersonating senior officers of different security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Customs and Immigration Service, to gain the trust of his victims. DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, stated that Saliu’s behavior was “all a bid to defraud unsuspecting citizens of their hard-earned money”.

Prosecution and Commitment
Saliu has been arraigned before Magistrate Court 1 for appropriate prosecution. The Ondo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents and ensuring that fraudsters are brought to justice. The command commended the visionary leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, whose strategic direction continues to inspire and empower the command in achieving successes.¹