The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a man, Nuhu Dahiru, for allegedly impersonating an operative of the commission and defrauding members of the public of N3 million.
The suspect was arrested by operatives of the EFCC Maiduguri Zonal Directorate in Borno State following intelligence received by the anti-graft agency.
The commission disclosed the arrest in a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday.
According to the EFCC, Dahiru was apprehended at Tashan Bama, along Bama Road, Maiduguri, after intelligence indicated that he had been presenting himself as an officer of the commission to unsuspecting members of the public.
The agency alleged that the suspect used the false identity to obtain N3 million from his victims under false pretences.
The EFCC said the entire sum of N3 million was recovered from Dahiru at the point of his arrest.
“The suspect was arrested in Tashan Bama, along Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, following credible intelligence indicating that he had been parading himself as an officer of the EFCC, and thereby defrauding unsuspecting members of the public,” the commission stated.
The arrest is part of the EFCC’s efforts to tackle fraud and other forms of financial crime, including activities carried out by individuals who falsely claim to be officials of the commission.
Impersonation of law enforcement and anti-graft officers has remained a concern because fraudsters often use the names and authority of government agencies to intimidate or deceive members of the public.
Such individuals may claim to have the power to stop investigations, influence court cases or secure favourable treatment for suspects in exchange for money.
The EFCC has repeatedly warned members of the public against dealing with individuals who demand money while claiming to represent the commission.
The agency has also advised citizens to report suspicious activities and verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an EFCC official before engaging with them.
The commission has the power to investigate cases involving financial crimes, including obtaining money by false pretence, fraud, money laundering and other economic offences.
However, individuals who are not authorised officers can face prosecution when they falsely present themselves as officials in order to obtain money or other benefits.
In Dahiru’s case, the EFCC said investigations were still ongoing.
The commission added that the suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.
The recovery of the N3 million at the point of arrest is expected to form part of the evidence in the case as investigators work to establish how the alleged fraud was carried out and identify other possible victims.
The development also highlights the need for members of the public to be cautious when approached by people claiming to have links with government agencies.
Members of the public are particularly advised to be wary of anyone asking for money to influence an investigation, secure the release of a suspect or provide any other service supposedly on behalf of the EFCC.
The commission has continued to pursue cases involving alleged fraudsters across the country, with its zonal commands carrying out arrests and investigations based on intelligence and complaints from members of the public.
Dahiru will have the opportunity to defend himself in court if he is eventually charged, as the allegations against him remain subject to judicial determination.