Police Arrest Fraudsters for Allegedly Using Minister’s Name to Defraud Retired General of N150m
By ThankGod Inalegwu
The Police Command in Abuja has detained four suspects for allegedly impersonating associates of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to defraud a retired military officer of over N150 million in a fake land deal.
The disclosure was made on Wednesday by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, in an official statement.
According to Olayinka, one of the suspects, residing at the Nigeria Army Post Housing Estate in Kurudu, was apprehended on Tuesday following investigations into the alleged fraud scheme. The suspect is accused of deceiving a retired Major-General, identified as A. K. Ibrahim, along with other victims, under the pretense of facilitating land transactions in the prestigious Guzape II Cadastral Zone of Abuja.
Preliminary findings revealed that the suspect falsely claimed to be working closely with the FCT Minister and officials of the land administration department. Using this claim, he reportedly convinced the victims to part with large sums of money in exchange for land documents tied to Plot 1985, measuring about three hectares, as well as other plots.
Olayinka stated that the suspect allegedly collected over N150 million without delivering any legitimate documentation, raising suspicions that led to his arrest.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly named two accomplices said to be affiliated with the Urban and Regional Planning Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA). He also identified another collaborator based in the Durumi 2 area of Abuja.
Security agencies have since intensified efforts to apprehend all individuals linked to the fraudulent operation, while investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the scam.
Authorities have warned members of the public to exercise caution and verify all land transactions through official government channels to avoid falling victim to similar schemes