Ondo police arrest fake army colonel over N1.3 million employment scam

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a notorious impersonator who posed as a Colonel in the Nigerian Army to swindle unsuspecting victims.

The suspect, Abdullahi Saliu, a resident of Top Quality Hotel, was apprehended after a thorough investigation revealed his involvement in a N1.3million employment scam.

The spokesperson of the command, DSP Olushola Ayanlade made this known in a statement on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, said.

According to the PPRO, Saliu allegedly lured two victims, Oshoade Janet and Daisi Remilekun Joy, into paying him N1,377,000 under the false pretext of securing employment opportunities for their sons in the Nigeria Customs and Immigration Services.

However, investigations revealed that Saliu had no connection to the services and used the money for his personal gain.

Further investigations exposed Saliu’s widespread operations, with victims traced to several states, including Edo, Delta, Kogi, and Ondo.

The suspect had been impersonating senior officers of different security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Customs and Immigration Service, to gain the trust of his victims.

“The behaviour is all a bid to defraud unsuspecting citizens of their hard-earned money,” Ayanlade added.

The spokesperson said Saliu has been arraigned before Magistrate Court 1, for appropriate prosecution.

The Ondo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents and ensuring that fraudsters are brought to justice.

“We also commend the visionary leadership and morale-boosting initiatives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, whose strategic direction continues to inspire and empower the command in achieving these successes,” he added.