From Molly Kilete, Abuja
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Police Command have arrested one Emmanuel Linus for allegedly impersonating a Nigerian Army officer.
FCT Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu who made the disclosure while parading criminal suspects arrested by the command, said that the suspect was arrested on November 30 dressed in full Nigerian Army camouflage uniform.
The commissioner further disclosed that during interrogation, Linus presented a fake military identification card that had December 20, 2024, as his date of birth, raising suspicions by the detectives who arrested and took him to the station for interrogation.
“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 commissioner stated.
“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.”
The suspect, Emmanuel Linus, who spoke to reporters, meanwhile accused the military of dismissing officers at will without carrying out detailed investigation.
Linus, from Adamawa State, who claimed to have been dismissed from the military in 2022, said: “They will not ask the Army why they are dismissing us anyhow. After training, if you commit little things, the authority will dismiss you.”
On why he was still wearing the army camouflage after being dismissed from service, Linus said “I just wear the uniform. We were in Maiduguri in the bush for so long. We have the military authority to charge 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.”
On other matters, the commissioner, noting that the command has declared war on one-chance robbers and other criminals in the FCT, stated: “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.