Nigerian Army Arrests Serving Soldier Over Alleged N114million Fraud, False Operation Claims
Nigerian Army Arrests Serving Soldier Over Alleged N114million Fraud, False Operation Claims
He was arrested by joint troops of the 14 Brigade and 6 Division Provost Groups following ongoing investigations into allegations bordering on fraud, impersonation and misrepresentation.
The Nigerian Army has arrested a serving soldier, Staff Sgt. Amoke Simon, over an alleged N114 million fraud and false claims linking him to the killing of notorious kidnap kingpin, Obioma Nwankwo, widely known as “Osisikankwu.”Nigerian news analysis
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, a member of the Nigerian Army Engineers Corps attached to a regiment in Lagos, was apprehended at the Port Harcourt International Airport while attempting to flee to Abuja.
He was arrested by joint troops of the 14 Brigade and 6 Division Provost Groups following ongoing investigations into allegations bordering on fraud, impersonation and misrepresentation.
Preliminary findings revealed that the soldier allegedly defrauded the Abia State Government by falsely presenting himself as a key figure in the 2010 military operation that led to the elimination of “Osisikankwu.”
Sources said the false claim earned him official recognition and promises of support from the state government, including medical assistance.
Further investigations indicated that the suspect had also been on the radar of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his alleged involvement in multiple fraudulent schemes targeting individuals and organisations.
“He allegedly defrauded a company of about N100 million, obtained N6 million from an individual under false pretences, and also duped a group of persons of about N8 million. He had been on the run before his arrest,” a source disclosed.
Investigators added that the soldier’s alleged fraudulent activities intensified after he sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident during an unauthorised movement in Lagos, which he reportedly used to solicit financial assistance from unsuspecting victims.
Contrary to his claims, military records and testimonies from personnel involved in the 2010 operation showed that the suspect neither participated in nor had any operational link to the mission.
An officer who took part in the operation dismissed the claims, stating that the suspect was never among those deployed.
“He led 26 soldiers into the forest in December 2010 to track and neutralise the kingpin and rescue several kidnapped victims. The individual making these claims was not part of our team and was never deployed to that theatre of operation,” the officer said, referring to the operation led by Brigadier-General Timothy Oparon, then a Major, under the command of Brigadier-General Andrew Audu.
Another source said the operation, carried out in the forests of Abia State, led to the killing of the gang leader, rescue of about 10 kidnapped victims, and recovery of arms and ammunition.
Military sources further debunked the suspect’s claims that he was wounded while fighting Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.
Sources at the North-East Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed that the soldier was never deployed to Maiduguri or any frontline operation.
“He exploited a fabricated operational history to deceive government officials and members of the public. His actions not only amount to fraud but also undermine the sacrifices of personnel who genuinely participated in that high-risk operation,” another source said.
Sources added that efforts were ongoing to transfer the suspect to Lagos for the conclusion of investigations and commencement of appropriate disciplinary procedures.
