Police Arrest Dismissed Soldier Over N920,000 PoS Fraud in Niger

Niger Police have arrested a dismissed soldier, Michael Musa, for allegedly committing fraud totaling N920,000 at Point of Sale shops. The incidents involved the suspect impersonating military personnel. The investigation is ongoing, with more victims emerging to report similar cases.

The Niger Police Command has announced the arrest of a dismissed soldier implicated in a series of fraudulent activities amounting to N920,000. Public Relations officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, shared the news on Tuesday in Minna, prompting interest in the unusual case of impersonation and theft.

The situation began unfolding on May 27, when a magistrate court referred a complaint about criminal breach of trust and fraud to the Tudun-Wada Police Division. Three individuals reported the incidents, which took place over a couple of weeks, each involving a suspect dressed in military attire.

Witnesses recounted that on May 12, a man posing as a soldier visited a Point of Sale (PoS) shop near Musa Bello Primary School in Bida. He reportedly deceived the operator into handing over N120,000 before fleeing the scene. Just over a week later, on May 23, the same suspect, dressed in camouflage, allegedly managed to extract N300,000 from a PoS attendant at Kataeregi.

A particularly audacious theft occurred on May 29, when the suspect again approached a PoS shop along Mandela Road and made off with N500,000. As police worked to investigate these crimes, they used technical intelligence to track down the suspect, identified as Michael Musa, who resides on Mandela Road in Minna.

Upon his arrest, which took place while he was still in military uniform, Musa confessed to the crimes. He admitted to being a soldier who had been dismissed in 2022 while stationed in Benin, Edo state. The police noted that the investigation is ongoing, with more victims reportedly coming forward with similar complaints. This case highlights the risks associated with impersonation, especially involving security forces, and raises awareness of ongoing criminal activity in the area.

In conclusion, the arrest of Michael Musa, a dismissed soldier, highlights a troubling pattern of impersonation and theft linked to Point of Sale operators in Niger. The Police Command has confirmed that they are continuing to investigate the case, with the possibility of more victims stepping forward. This incident underscores the risks faced by businesses and the public alike in safeguarding against fraud.

Original Source: punchng.com