3rd June, 2016
Captain Eli Lazarus, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, presented the suspects to newsmen on Friday.
He said that one suspect, used the army uniform for illegal bunkering, while others impersonated military personnel to defraud unsuspecting individuals and companies.
Lazarus listed the suspects as Abba Ibrahim, 40; Lucky Nyeke, 32; Abba Mohammed, 25; Godwin Okeke, 25; Tijjani Kano, 29; John Inuwa, 29 and Gabriel Ameh, 44.
“On June 1, troops from 2 Brigade arrested one Abba Ibrahim 40, along Bodo in Gokana while fully dressed in military camouflage uniform with the badge of rank of Captain.
“Ibrahim was sighted alone by our men, who became suspicious and when questioned could not provide answers satisfactorily.
“The suspect revealed that he was dismissed from the Nigerian Army in 2008 as a Sergeant, and while being interrogated confessed to using the uniform to facilitate illegal oil bunkering.
“One Toyota Hilux vehicle with registration number Cross River GGJ 561 AA and refined automotive gasoline oil loaded in the vehicle was recovered from the suspect,” he said.
Lazarus said that troops also arrested one Joseph Nyeke, who was dismissed by the Nigerian navy in March as a Leading Seaman.
He said the suspect presented himself to troops as a serving Lieutenant in the navy.
The spokesman said that Abba Mohammed, 25, who claimed to be an army Corporal, was arrested after engaging in a brawl with policemen.
According to him, the suspect later confessed to be an impostor.
“Also, Godwin Okeke, 25, who paraded himself as a Sergeant uses fake military identity card to facilitate his transport business at Rumuokoro area in Port Harcourt.
“Tijjani Kano and Johnson Inuwa both 29 years were arrested for illegal possession of military uniforms in Elele, while Gabriel Ameh, 44, was arrested for duping unsuspected members of the public,” he added.
Lazarus said the suspect would be handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.