A 55-year-old man has been arrested in Anambra State for impersonating a Civil Defence officer and committing fraud. The suspect, Emmanuel Oche, was caught for deceiving and extorting money from unsuspecting victims.

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Anambra, Maku Olatunde, issued a warning to the public to be cautious when approached by anyone claiming to be a Civil Defence officer. He made this statement on October 16, 2024, during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Awka.

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 investigations revealed that Oche used his fake status to intimidate innocent people. When interrogated, he shockingly confessed to buying the Civil Defence uniform from a second-hand clothing seller in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area. This confession highlighted the extent of his deceitful actions.

In response to this incident, the Commandant has instructed the Investigation and Intelligence Department to conduct a thorough investigation into how Oche obtained the uniform and to determine his motives for impersonating a Civil Defence officer. Oche is expected to be charged in court once the investigation is completed.

It is essential for citizens to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help prevent such impersonations in the future.