The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State Command, has arrested a 34-year-old man, Akinola Tosin, for allegedly defrauding a Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator using a fake bank transfer alert while also impersonating a member of the Nigerian Army.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Ayoola Michael, who said the suspect was apprehended following a complaint from a POS operator in the state.
According to the statement, the suspect allegedly obtained N40,600 from the operator after presenting a fake debit alert as proof of payment.
Michael said, “The suspect was apprehended following a complaint that he defrauded a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator through the use of a fake bank transfer alert.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect collected the sum of N40,600 after presenting a fake debit alert to the POS operator, deceiving the victim into believing a successful transfer had been made.”
He added that further investigations revealed a broader fraud pattern involving impersonation of military personnel to gain public trust.
“Further investigations revealed that the suspect had been impersonating a member of the Nigerian Army using a fake military identity card bearing his name, alongside military-related paraphernalia, which he allegedly used to gain public trust and facilitate his criminal activities,” Michael said.
The NSCDC stated that the suspect allegedly confessed to prior fraudulent activities involving multiple victims during interrogation.
“The suspect also confessed to previous fraudulent activities involving multiple victims, while further investigation uncovered a suspected accomplice, identified as one Feranmi Idoko Godwin, who is currently at large.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and conclude investigations,” Michael added.
The Commandant of the Kwara State NSCDC Command, Abbas Mohammed, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to combating crime across the state.
“I urge members of the public to remain vigilant and verify electronic transactions before releasing cash, goods or other valuables,” he said.
The command also advised POS operators, traders, and business owners to verify electronic transfers through official banking channels before releasing cash or goods, warning that fraudsters increasingly exploit fake transaction alerts.