The Imo State Police Command has arrested three suspects, Kingsley Inyang, Edet Okon and Victor Akpan all from Akwa Ibom state for impersonation and claiming to be army officials, while extorting huge amount of money from unsuspected applicants who wish to join the Nigerian Army.
While parading the suspects at the Imo Police Command Headquarters in Owerri, the new Commissioner of Police in the state, Chris Ezike, said the suspects were arrested at Amakohia Ubi in Owerri west Local Government area of Imo state following intelligence reports.
The commissioner also paraded some other suspected criminals who are allegedly involved in various crime ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching and cultism.
The commissioner said the renewed vision of the command is to reduce crime and enhance safety and security in Imo state as well as provide qualitative police service for the people of Imo state.
Items recovered include three AK rifles, 15 AK47, magazines loaded with ammunition, locally made pistols and army camouflage uniforms.
In his words, “we have collectively resolved in this command that our mission and vision is to reduce crime and enhance safety and security in Imo state.
“This state shall not only enable Imolites go about their lawful business without fear of any molestation but also enable the business of government and private sector thrive without security encumbrances, we shall provide qualitative Police service to the people of Imo state.
“Kingsley Inyang, Edet Okon and Victor Akpan all from Akwa Ibom state have been arrested for specializing in defrauding unsuspected applicants wishing to join the Nigerian army.
“They were arrested at Amakohia Ubi in Owerri west Local Government area of Imo state following a tip off.
“Investigation revealed that the affected candidates were ignorantly mandated by the suspects to pay the sum of 8, 000 Naira and 70, 000 Naira for medical test and recruitment training exercises.
“The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and will be charged to court soon”, the commissioner said.