The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of a 28-year-old man, Dauda Samuel, in connection with an online recruitment scam involving the impersonation of a senior police officer.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) following multiple complaints and credible intelligence.
Samuel is accused of impersonating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, on Facebook, using fake accounts to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians with false promises of employment into the police force.
Victims were allegedly asked to pay money in exchange for recruitment slots.
“Preliminary investigations confirmed that the suspect created unauthorized Facebook profiles using the name and image of DIG Frank Mba, who oversees Training and Development,” the statement read.
Police said the suspect was arrested in Panda Village, Nasarawa State, and has admitted to the crime. He is also said to be cooperating with investigators and has provided information assisting ongoing efforts to identify possible accomplices and trace other digital evidence through forensic analysis.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, warned those involved in cybercrimes to desist or risk prosecution, while also advising the public to remain vigilant online and cautious of offers that appear too good to be true.