The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Bukola Olabode, for impersonating a police officer and defrauding several Point of Sale (POS) operators within the region. The arrest followed a series of fraudulent activities that Olabode carried out under the guise of a law enforcement officer, which has sent shockwaves through the community in the Ipokia Local Government Area. The suspect was caught by local residents in Ihunbo on Tuesday after successfully defrauding a number of POS operators in the area. The residents, who had grown suspicious of his actions, swiftly apprehended him and handed him over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who then transferred him to the police at the Idiroko Division.
The State Police Command confirmed the incident, providing further details on how the suspect operated. According to the authorities, Olabode had been using a police camouflage shirt, paired with jeans, as part of his disguise. This allowed him to pose as a legitimate law enforcement officer, thereby gaining the trust of his victims. He would then proceed to execute fraudulent transactions using PoS machines, leading to the theft of large sums of money from unsuspecting victims.
Olabode's criminal activities came to an abrupt end when he attempted another fraudulent act at the PoS stand of a local operator, Mary Midoyin. However, Midoyin quickly discovered the deception and raised an alarm. Realizing his cover had been blown, Olabode attempted to make a fake transfer and collected N60,000 from Midoyin before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, the residents in the area immediately pursued him and apprehended him after a short chase.
Upon being captured, Olabode was handed over to the NSCDC in Ihunbo, where he was later transferred to the police at the Idiroko Division. During a thorough investigation, Olabode confessed to defrauding multiple PoS operators in the community. Authorities also recovered several items from the suspect, including a Samsung phone, a black Itel phone, a police constabulary warrant card, and a round-neck T-shirt. These items were allegedly used to facilitate the fraudulent activities. Olabode is currently being detained by the police as investigations continue.
The arrest has sent a clear message to criminals who attempt to exploit the trust of the public by impersonating law enforcement officers. The Ogun State Police Command has reassured residents of its commitment to addressing criminal activities and maintaining the safety and security of the community. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and community collaboration in combating fraud and ensuring justice is served. The police have urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities to prevent further incidents of this nature.
