The operatives of the IGP-Special Investigation Unit have apprehended four suspects alleged of criminal conspiracy, forgery of official documents, job racketeering, impersonation, and obtaining money under false pretence.
Parading the suspects before newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer. FPRO, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi’ said that they were arrested following a report received from the office of the Special Assistant to the President and subsequent extensive intelligence gathering by the Police.
According to the force spokesperson, “The suspects, identified as Khuzaifa Tafida ‘m’, Zakari Abdullahi ‘m’, Abdullahi Baba ‘m’, and Adeyemo Morufu ‘m’, belong to a syndicate involved in forging classified documents emanating from Government Agencies/ Organisations in the bid to deceive unsuspecting victims and extort money from them under the guise of securing a job for them at the prestigious Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil and other agencies of the Federal Government.
He explained that the first and second suspects, Khuzaifa Tafida and Zakari Abdullahi had forged a document resembling one emanating from the office of the National Chairman, All Progressive Congress, and another document with semblance to one from the State House Abuja.
According to him, “the duo then proceeded to present the documents to the office of the Inspector-General of Police as recommendations in favour of 13 persons for the Nigeria Police 2022 Special Recruitment.
” Upon receipt of these documents with suspicion, followed by a petition from the office of the Special Assistant to the President, a discreet investigation was conducted, which led to the apprehension of Khuzaifa Tafida and Zakari Abdullahi.
Further investigation then led to the arrest of the other suspects involved with various exhibits including some forged classified documents, stamps, the sum of over N1m cash recovered from them.
According to him “Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their roles in the crime and admitted to forging documents from several government offices to defraud unsuspecting victims, promising them enlistment and jobs at various Government Agencies.
The FPRO urged members of the public to be wary of such fraudulent elements and avoid dealing with persons and individuals offering assistance outside of due process.
He assured that the suspects would be charged in court upon the completion of the ongoing investigations into the matter.
All the suspects admitted being members of the syndicate and the roles they played in the scam.
This came just as force spokesperson said as part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to combat any form of crime, the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters, Katsina State intercepted a group of suspected armed bandits along the Magama-Jibia road, where they had accosted and attacked two (2) commercial vehicles in an attempt to kidnap the occupants.
He explained that the Police Operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel which compelled the armed and dreaded bandits to flee, resulting in the foiling of the kidnapping attempt and the rescue of 14 victims.
He lamented that during the escape, two of the victims sustained gunshot injuries from the assailants but were receiving adequate treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The FPRO added that similarly, on the 24th of November 2024, police operatives attached to the Kaduna State Police Command engaged a group of bandits in large numbers at Idasu Village, Kidandan Local Government Area of Kaduna, and foiled another kidnapping attempt, successfully rescued 89 victims and recovered 1 locally made AK-47 rifle and 5 rounds of live ammunition, saying “this plus other foiled kidnapping attempts in Lagos, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Delta are highly commendable as well.
He said that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Commended the efforts of the operatives of the Force for their exceptional display of gallantry, professionalism, and dedication to duty and further reiterated the commitment of the Force towards continual professionalism and dedication to the safety and security of the country.
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