According to a release on Tuesday, the army made the arrest at the Tincan Command Longroom Apapa, Lagos on the alleged case of Impersonation.
The Nigerian Army has arrested a fake Brigadier-General, Samuel Christopher, in the Apapa area of Lagos State, and recovered a military Band Corps (NABC) coaster bus allegedly used by him.
According to a release on Tuesday, the army made the arrest at the Tincan Command Longroom Apapa, Lagos on the alleged case of Impersonation.
The arrest was confirmed by the Commander, 81 Division Provost Group of the army, Brig Gen Mohammed Abubakar, who spoke through Lieutenant Ayodeji Owoyomi, during the parade of the suspects.
The army said, “Preliminary Investigation revealed that the suspect has been parading himself as a Brigadier General, Colonel, Defense Attaché to France, Retired Chief of Intelligence (CMI) Personnel depending on the circumstances.
“At the time of arrest, Mr Samuel Christopher was arrested in company of one Headquarters Nigerian Army Band Corp NABC Coaster Bus conveying 11 personnel, 2 Civil Staff of Nigerian Army Band Corps, one Force Personnel, two Civilian vehicles conveying 2 Air force Personnel as escort and 2 Nigerian Army Personnel Drivers.
“It was further revealed that the Impostor has on regular basis employed the services of military personnel and was in possession of fake Ministry of Defense (MOD) Identity card.”
It was learnt that the detained suspect, who was later granted medical bail, is currently on the run and efforts are on to bring him back into custody for trial.
In the other cases, the army said, “Mr Abdulhakeem Mohammed was arrested on 09 May 2023 at about 1140hrs for Impersonation by own troops on Op CHECKMATE at Agric Ojo LGA of Lagos State.
“Also former Private Babale Salisu is a dismissed personnel of the Nigerian Army. He was arrested on 26 October 2021 for Impersonation at ABC building Broad Street, Lagos Island while trying to forcefully eject the occupants of ABC building.
“Miss Vivian Chika Titus was arrested by own troops on 20 May 2023 at about 1732hrs, at Agip gate Nigeria Army Cantonment Ojo Mammy Market following a tip off. She dressed in Nigerian Army Woodland Camouflage T-Shirt and was in possession of fake Nigerian Army Identity card service number 09NA/63/1988 Corporal rank.
“Jude Nwanosike was arrested for Impersonation on 12 April 2023 at Yard, along Badagry – Seme Expressway. At the time of arrest, dressed in Nigerian Army Camouflage T-Shirt and trouser, he was equally in possession of Nigerian Army identity card. It was however revealed that the suspect has been impersonating as military personnel to evade security check while escorting vehicles and performing illegal duties.”
saharareporters