Kehinde Fajobi
Operatives of the IGP-Special Investigation Unit have arrested four individuals accused of criminal conspiracy, forgery, job racketeering, impersonation, and obtaining money under false pretences.
The suspects were paraded on Tuesday in Abuja by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who said their arrest followed extensive intelligence gathering.
This operation was launched after a report was received from the office of the Special Assistant to the President.
“Following a report received from the office of the Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and subsequent extensive intelligence gathering, operatives of the IGP-Special Investigation Unit have apprehended four suspects alleged of criminal conspiracy, forgery of official documents, job racketeering, impersonation, and obtaining money under false pretence,” Adejobi said.
The suspects—Khuzaifa Tafida, Zakari Abdullahi, Abdullahi Baba, and Adeyemo Morufu—are believed to be part of a syndicate involved in forging official government documents.
These documents were used to deceive victims and extort money by promising them jobs, particularly at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, and other government agencies.
“Upon receipt of these documents with suspicion, followed by a petition from the office of the Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a discreet investigation was conducted, which led to the apprehension of Khuzaifa Tafida and Zakari Abdullahi.
Further investigation would then result in the arrest of the other suspects involved,” Adejobi explained.
The suspects confessed to their crimes, admitting to forging documents from several government offices in order to defraud victims.
During the operation, investigators recovered forged classified documents, government stamps, and ₦1,700,000 in cash, among other incriminating items.
“Some forged classified documents, stamps, the sum of One Million, Seven Hundred Thousand (N1,700,000) and other incriminating items, were recovered from them.
With this new trend, members of the public are advised to be wary of such fraudulent elements and avoid dealing with persons and individuals offering assistance outside of due process,” Adejobi urged.