ALLEGED POS FRAUD: FAKE AIR FORCE OFFICER ARRESTED IN IBADAN

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a man accused of impersonating a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officer to allegedly defraud a Point of Sale (POS) operator in Ibadan.

According to a post on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the suspect, identified as Yusuf Abdullahi, was apprehended in the Iwo Road area of Ibadan while allegedly dressed in military camouflage and posing as a serving NAF sergeant.

The arrest reportedly followed a complaint lodged at the Iyaganku Police Division by a POS operator, Mrs. Ayedun Abisola Adedoyin, a resident of Oke-Padre, Ibadan.

Police sources said the incident occurred on June 1 when the suspect allegedly visited Ogunpa Market and purchased items, including a cooking gas regulator and an air freshener, from a trader.

The suspect was said to have introduced himself as a Nigerian Air Force sergeant and persuaded the complainant to hand over N150,000 in cash, claiming he would make an electronic transfer covering both the cash and the items purchased.

However, after collecting the money and goods, he allegedly left without making the promised payment.

Following investigations, police tracked and arrested the suspect on June 9 at about 1:40 p.m. He was reportedly still wearing military camouflage at the time of his arrest.

Further inquiries revealed that Abdullahi had allegedly been arrested previously by the same police division for a similar offence before being handed over to the Nigerian Air Force Base in Akobo, Ibadan, for further action.

During the investigation, detectives contacted Flight Lieutenant Amuda, a serving NAF officer attached to the Akobo Air Force Base but currently deployed in Adamawa State. The officer reportedly confirmed that the suspect was not a member of the Nigerian Air Force.

Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the suspect’s alleged activities and whether additional victims may have been affected.

The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with individuals claiming to be security personnel.