The Nigeria Police Force has arrested one Dauda Samuel, a 28-year-old male, for allegedly orchestrating an online recruitment scam by impersonating a top-ranking police officer on social media.
NPF’s spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said on Saturday that Samuel, the suspect, was arrested by operatives of the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) following credible intelligence and a series of public complaints.
Samuel is accused of allegedly impersonating Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Frank Mba, on Facebook to fraudulently extort money from unsuspecting Nigerians under the pretence of offering employment in the police force.
Adejobi revealed that Samuel was arrested in response to allegations that someone had been using Facebook to pose as DIG Mba, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect created and operated fake Facebook accounts bearing the name and image of the DIG in charge of Training and Development, DIG Frank Mba, without authorization,” Adejobi said.
“He was recently apprehended in Panda Village, Nasarawa State, and has since voluntarily confessed to the crime. He also provided valuable information that is aiding ongoing investigations.”
The policeman added that efforts are currently underway to identify possible accomplices and trace additional digital footprints linked to the suspect’s activities through digital forensic analysis.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, also warns individuals engaging in cybercrime to desist or face the full weight of the law.
He also advises Nigerians and residents of Nigeria to be wary of individuals offering promises that seem too good to be true and take vital steps to secure their interactions in the digital space.
