Niger Police Capture Three Impersonators in Student Robbery Incident
Niger Police arrest three suspects impersonating EFCC operatives who abducted and robbed university students. Two informants were also apprehended during the operation. The suspects demanded a ransom of N10 million, later negotiating down to N500,000.
The Niger Police Command has announced the arrest of three individuals pretending to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They were apprehended in connection with an alleged robbery involving students from Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University in Lapai. The arrests occurred after the victims reported being abducted and robbed by the suspects, revealing a concerning case of impersonation and theft.
Wasiu Abiodun, the Command’s Spokesperson, shared that two accomplices aiding the suspects were also taken into custody. The incident unfolded on May 13, around 8:00 PM, when the suspects entered an off-campus student lodge under false pretenses. They allegedly abducted two students, escaping in a Toyota Corolla with the registration number ABJ 245 CU.
Upon receiving information about the incident, police from the Lapai Division swiftly mobilized to track the vehicle. Their efforts led them to Suleja Road near Kwakuti, where they arrested the three suspects. The arrested individuals are identified as Emmanuel Linus, 30, from Deidei; Hyelda Aliyu, 28, from Nyanya; and Abduljallid Tanko, 33, from Karu, all in Abuja. Notably, one suspect, Alfa James, managed to evade capture at the scene.
During questioning, the suspects admitted that they had been instructed by their informants, emphasizing that this illegal activity was their source of income. They entered the victims’ room armed with electric tasers, which they wielded as weapons. The suspects reportedly stole five mobile phones and attempted to extort a payment of N10 million from the students, later negotiating this amount down to N500,000.
Abiodun noted that the fake identification cards used by the suspects were printed at a local shop in Nyanya, Abuja. These IDs all bore the same number, 1069. The police also arrested their informants, identified as Mohammed Hassan and Hamisu Adamu, both from Angwan-Hausa in Lapai. According to reports, one of the informants had prior acquaintance with Emmanuel Linus, who himself is a dismissed soldier with a criminal past, including previous convictions.
The investigation continues under the auspices of the State Criminal Investigation Department, and police officials have confirmed that the suspects will face prosecution once the inquiry is complete. This incident raises serious concerns regarding student safety and highlights the ongoing issue of fraud and deception in the region, as authorities work to address these troubling criminal activities.
In summary, the Niger Police have effectively apprehended three individuals posing as EFCC agents and engaged in criminal activities against university students. This case underscores the alarming trend of impersonation fraud, especially targeted at vulnerable populations such as students. Authorities are continuing their investigations to ensure that all involved parties are held accountable as they aim to strengthen security and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Original Source: punchng.com
