By Praise Chinecherem
A 55-year old man, Emmanuel Oche has been arrested for allegedly impersonating a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence, NSCDC officer to extort and commit fraudulent activities on unsuspecting citizens in Anambra State.
Head of Media and Tactical Ops, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Anambra State Command, Superintendent of Corps, Edwin Okadigbo disclosed this in a statement.
He said the suspect, from Agila town in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State was arrested by operatives of the Command on routine patrol following intelligence regarding the suspect’s suspicious activities around Aroma in Awka.
He said preliminary investigation revealed that the impersonator used his fake Civil Defence officer status to intimidate and exploit innocent victims.
According to him, the suspect confessed buying the NSCDC uniform from a second-hand cloth seller in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area of the State.
He said, “The State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, Commandant Maku Olatunde has cautioned members of the public to be vigilant and exercise discernment when approached by anyone claiming to be a Civil Defence officer.
“Comdt. Maku stated this on Wednesday, October 16 2024 at the State Command Headquarters Awka while parading a suspect impersonating a Civil Defence officer to deceive, extort and commit fraudulent activities on unsuspecting citizens in Anambra State.
“Giving a vivid account on how the suspect was arrested, Maku said ” on Tuesday October 15, 2024 at about 1300hrs , operatives of the command on routine patrol responded to intelligence regarding the suspect’s suspicious activities around Aroma in Awka .
“Acting on this information, the team swung into action and apprehended the suspect; Emmanuel Oche , male , aged 55 from Agila Town in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State dressed in an NSCDC uniform.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that Emmanuel Oche, the impersonator, used his fake Civil Defence officer status to intimidate and exploit innocent victims.
“Shockingly, Oche confessed to buying the NSCDC uniform from a second-hand cloth seller in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, revealing the extent of his deceitful tactics.
“Consequently, the State Commandant has ordered the Investigation and Intelligence department to conduct discreet investigation to unravel the source of the uniform in addition to motive behind the suspect’s impersonation of being a Civil Defence officer.
“Comdt. Maku further noted that the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.”
