The Nigerian Army has arrested a serving soldier, Staff Sgt. Amoke Simon, over alleged large-scale fraud amounting N114million and false claims relating to the killing of notorious kidnap kingpin, Obioma Nwankwo, popularly known as “Osisikankwu.”
According to Zagazola Makama, 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 flee to Abuja.
He was arrested by joint troops of 14 Brigade and 6 Division Provost Groups following ongoing investigations into multiple allegations of fraud and impersonation.
According to the sources, preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier allegedly defrauded the Abia State Government by falsely presenting himself as a key figure in the 2010 operation that led to the elimination of the notorious kingpin.
The false narrative reportedly earned him official recognition and a promise of support from the Abia State Government, including medical assistance.
Further findings indicated that the suspect had been on the radar of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged involvement in a series of fraudulent activities targeting individuals and Organization.
“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 said.
Investigators also disclosed that the soldier’s fraudulent activities intensified after he sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident while on an unauthorised movement in Lagos, which he allegedly used as a cover to solicit financial assistance from unsuspecting victims.
Contrary to his claims, military records and testimonies from troops involved in the 2010 operation showed that the suspect neither participated in nor had any operational link to the mission that led to the neutralisation of “Osisikankwu.”
One Officer who took part in the operation clarified that the suspect was never part of the team deployed for the mission. He said a senior officer, Brig.-Gen. Timothy Oparon, was the one who led the operation as a Major in 2010, under the command of then Brig.-Gen. Andrew Audu.
“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,” he said.
Another sources explained that the operation, conducted in the forests of Abia, resulted in the successful neutralisation of the gang leader and the rescue of about 10 kidnapped victims, with arms and ammunition also recovered.
They described the soldier’s claims as false and misleading, noting that several officers and soldiers like us who participated in the mission had expressed concern over the misrepresentation.
Military sources also further confirmed that the suspect had never been deployed to Maiduguri or any theatre in the North-East, contrary to claims he made that he was wounded fighting Boko Haram in Borno, while seeking assistance.
Military source sources at the North East Theartre Command Operation HADIN KAI, said the soldier was never deployed to Maiduguri or the frontline for any battle.
“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.
According to Military sources, efforts were ongoing to transfer the suspect to Lagos for the conclusion of investigations and commencement of appropriate disciplinary procedures.
Zagazola Makama
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