The Nigerian Army has arrested a serving soldier for allegedly defrauding victims of about N114 million through multiple scams, including falsely claiming he was a key figure in the 2010 operation that eliminated notorious kidnap kingpin Obioma Nwankwo, aka “Osisikankwu.”
Staff Sergeant Amoke Simon, of the Nigerian Army Engineers Corps in Lagos, was apprehended by joint teams from 14 Brigade and 6 Division Provost Groups at Port Harcourt International Airport while attempting to flee to Abuja.
Military sources say the soldier deceived the Abia State Government by presenting himself as a central participant in the December 2010 forest operation that neutralized “Osisikankwu,” rescued around 10 kidnapped victims, and recovered arms and ammunition.
He reportedly used the fabricated story to gain official recognition and secure promised support, including medical assistance. However, official records and testimonies from officers involved led at the time by then-Major (now Brig.-Gen.) Timothy Oparon under Brig.-Gen. Andrew Audu confirm he played no role in the 26-man mission.
The suspect also falsely claimed he was wounded fighting Boko Haram in Maiduguri, despite never being deployed to the North-East under Operation HADIN KAI.
Authorities say these misrepresentations dishonor genuine troops who served in those high-risk operations.
Investigations further link him to other frauds: allegedly swindling a company of about N100 million, obtaining N6 million from an individual under false pretenses, and defrauding a group of roughly N8 million.
He had reportedly been on the run before his arrest.His scams intensified after a motorcycle accident in Lagos during an unauthorized movement, which he exploited to solicit funds by posing as an injured hero.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously flagged him for similar offenses against individuals and organizations.
He is now being transferred to Lagos for completion of investigations and appropriate disciplinary action.
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