Three Arrested for Impersonating EFCC Operatives in Niger

Niger Police have arrested three suspects posing as EFCC operatives for abducting and robbing students. The suspects demanded ransom and used fake ID cards. An ongoing investigation is set to confirm their involvement and further legal action will follow.

The Niger Police Command has captured three individuals impersonating operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following their alleged involvement in the abduction and robbery of two students from Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, located in Lapai. The arrests occurred after police received credible information about the incident on May 13, around 8:00 PM, according to a statement from spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun.

Abiodun elaborated that the fake EFCC agents, posing as law enforcement personnel, forced their way into the students’ off-campus lodging. After abducting two students, the impersonators reportedly fled in a Toyota Corolla with the license plate ABJ 245 CU. Thanks to swift action from the police unit assigned to the Lapai Division, law enforcement was able to track the vehicle down to Suleja Road by Kwakuti and apprehend the suspects.

The three suspects have been identified as Emmanuel Linus, 30, from Deidei; Hyelda Aliyu, 28, from Nyanya; and Abduljallid Tanko, 33, who hails from Karu, all residing in Abuja. However, during the operation, one of the suspects, identified as Alfa James, managed to evade capture. Upon questioning, the arrested trio confessed they participated in the criminal act based on information provided by two informants, Mohd Hassan and Hamisu Adamu, who were also apprehended.

According to the police spokesperson, the suspects, equipped with tasers disguised as firearms, reportedly entered one student’s room, seized five mobile phones, and demanded an initial ransom of N10 million, although they later reduced it to N500,000. All evidence points to premeditated criminal intent, with Abiodun noting that the ID cards used by the suspects were improperly fabricated in Nyanya, Abuja, bearing identical identification numbers.

There’s some history regarding Emmanuel Linus. He has been previously dismissed from military service due to his criminal background, including a prior conviction just two years ago. Currently, investigations are in full swing at the State Criminal Investigation Department. Once completed, it is expected that the suspects will face charges in court for their actions.

In summary, the Niger Police Command has successfully apprehended three individuals who impersonated EFCC operatives and engaged in criminal activities targeting students. While the suspects face serious charges, investigations continue to determine the full scope of their operations and any additional accomplices. This incident underscores the importance of police vigilance in safeguarding the community against such crimes.

Original Source: punchng.com