Police Apprehend Suspects Posing as EFCC Operatives in Niger

The Niger State Police have arrested three individuals posing as EFCC operatives. They attempted to abduct and rob students at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, demanding a ransom. Police intercepted them during their escape, detaining the suspects and continuing efforts to capture an additional accomplice.

The Niger State Police Command has recently apprehended three individuals who posed as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a scheme that involved the abduction and robbery of students at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, located in Lapai. According to Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects—identified as Emmanuel Linus, aged 30, Hyelda Aliyu, 28, and Abduljallid Tanko, 33—are all residents of Abuja. They executed their plan on May 13, targeting a student lodge off-campus and intimidating the students with weapons that were actually electric tasers disguised as firearms.

During the operation, the suspects abducted two students and initially demanded a ransom of 10 million naira, although they eventually reduced their demand to 500,000 naira. In a timely response, police operatives from the Lapai Division acted on intelligence and apprehended the suspects as they attempted to flee along Suleja Road, Kwakuti. They were intercepted in a Toyota Corolla, which had the registration number ABJ 245 CU. Notably, one accomplice, identified as Alfa James, managed to evade capture during this police operation.

Further investigations reveals that the suspects had accomplices in the area. During initial interrogations, they named two informants—Mohammed Hassan and Hamisu Adamu—from Angwan-Hausa in Lapai, who had allegedly facilitated their operation. Additionally, it was uncovered that the gang forged EFCC identification cards, producing them at a printing shop in Nyanya, Abuja, all carrying the same fraudulent ID number, 1069.

Wasiu Abiodun highlighted that Emmanuel Linus, one of the suspects, has a troubling history. He is a former soldier who had been dismissed from service and was previously convicted of criminal offenses just two years prior. The Niger State Police Command remains committed to public safety and has promised that efforts to capture the fleeing suspect and dismantle this criminal network are ongoing.

This incident sheds light on the dangers posed by individuals impersonating law enforcement, particularly in educational environments. The police encourage students and residents alike to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The swift actions of the police in this case have prevented further potential harm, highlighting the critical role of community awareness and prompt reporting of crimes.

In summary, the Niger State Police have successfully arrested three suspects posing as EFCC officials who were involved in the abduction of university students. Their ambition for a high ransom was thwarted by police intervention, leading to further investigations. Authorities continue their efforts to detain a fleeing accomplice and eradicate the criminal network behind this alarming incident, reminding the public of the necessity for vigilance against impersonation crimes.

Original Source: punchng.com