…we were dismissed anyhow – Suspects
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Police Command have arrested one Emmanuel Linus and Moses Daniel for allegedly impersonating a Nigerian Army officer.
FCT Commissioner of Police, (CP) Olatunji Disu disclosed this on Tuesday while parading suspects in Abuja.
Disu said the suspect was apprehended on November 30 “dressed in a full Nigerian Army camouflage uniform.”
He said during interrogation, Linus presented a fake military identification card that listed December 20, 2024, as his date of birth, raising immediate suspicions.
“Further intelligence gathered while he was in custody revealed that Linus is allegedly a member of a criminal syndicate specializing in defrauding unsuspecting victims.
“The group reportedly purchases goods and services using fake bank alerts to deceive sellers.
“The police have commenced a thorough investigation into the matter, with efforts ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate. Authorities have assured the public that additional updates will be provided as investigations progress.
“The FCT Police Command urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities”, he said.
Emmanuel Linus who spoke with reporters accused the military authority of dismissing officers anyhow without proper investigation.
Linus who was dismissed from the military 2022 from Adamawa State said: “I was dismissed 2022. They will not ask the Army why they are dismissing us anyhow. After training, if you commit little things, the authority will dismiss you.
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“I just wear the uniform. We were in Maiduguri in the bush for so long. We have the military authority to change us; they did not. So, I find my way and come back. I’m not the only soldier in the barracks. My offence is that I put on the uniform when I’m no longer serving.
“When I was discharged, I had this uniform at home so I went back home and started wearing the military uniform.”
The CP said the Command has impounded 296 vehicles for violations such as the use of tinted glasses, driving with only one plate number, and the use of concealed or defaced number plates.
Disu disclosed that the police operations have successfully foiled five (5) ‘One Chance’ robbery operations, rescuing three (3) victims who were abducted by these criminal elements.
He said: “These achievements highlight the effectiveness of our proactive strategies and show the importance of public collaboration in ensuring the safety of all FCT residents.
“As I earlier mentioned, the Command recently declared war against one-chance robbers and other criminal gangs in the FCT. Following this announcement, and in line with my directive, on November 23, 2024, at approximately 1:00 PM, operatives from the State Intelligence Department (SID) apprehended one IBRAHIM KABIRU during routine patrol along Ahmadu Bello Way. Suspicious circumstances surrounding his parked vehicle prompted a search, revealing: One Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, One knife, Scissors, Two mobile phones, and Female luggage suspected to be stolen.
“Upon interrogation, KABIRU failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the items, raising concerns about his involvement in ‘One Chance’ robberies. He is in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
“On November 28, 2024, at approximately 7:00 PM, a distress call reported an ongoing robbery along Idu Industrial Area Road. Police operatives from Karimo Division swiftly responded, arresting one IKECHUKWU NGEREM at the scene and rescuing the victim, Doris Gabriel, a heavily pregnant woman.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that Doris had been abducted on her way home from Federal Medical Center Jabi by a gang posing as commercial vehicle operators. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”