Police Arrest 4 Suspects for Forgery, Job Racketeering, Impersonation

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest of four (4) suspects for different crimes, including forgery, job racketeering and impersonation.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Tuesday, the suspects, identified as Khuzaifa Tafida, Zakari Abdullahi, Abdullahi Baba, and Adeyemo Morufu, belong to a syndicate involved in forging classified documents emanating from government agencies and organisations.

ACP Adejobi disclosed that the suspects operated by attempting to deceive unsuspecting victims and extort money from them under the guise of securing a job for them at the prestigious Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil and other agencies of the Federal Government (FG).

“Following a report received from the office of the Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and subsequent extensive intelligence gathering, operatives of the IGP-Special Investigation Unit have apprehended four (4) suspects alleged of criminal conspiracy, forgery of official documents, job racketeering, impersonation, and obtaining money under false pretence.

“The first and second suspects, Khuzaifa Tafida and Zakari Abdullahi had forged a document resembling one emanating from the office of the National Chairman, All Progressive Congress and another document with semblance to one from the State House Abuja. The duo then proceeded to present the documents to the office of the Inspector-General of Police as recommendations in favour of 13 persons for the Nigeria Police 2022 Special Recruitment.

“Upon receipt of these documents with suspicion, followed by a petition from the office of the Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a discreet investigation was conducted, which led to the apprehension of Khuzaifa Tafida and Zakari Abdullahi. Further investigation would then result in the arrest of the other suspects involved,” the statement reads in part.

The police spokesperson revealed that upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their roles in the crime, emphasising that they admitted to forging documents from several government offices to defraud unsuspecting victims, promising them enlistment and jobs at various government agencies.

“Some forged classified documents, stamps, the sum of One Million, Seven Hundred Thousand (N1,700,000) and other incriminating items, were recovered from them. With this new trend, members of the public are advised to be wary of such fraudulent elements and avoid dealing with persons and individuals offering assistance outside of due process,” he said.

In another development, the operatives of the NPF attached to the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters, Katsina State, intercepted a group of suspected armed bandits along the Magama-Jibia road, where they had accosted and attacked two (2) commercial vehicles in an attempt to kidnap the occupants.

The statement added: “The Police Operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel which compelled the armed and dreaded bandits to flee, resulting in the foiling of the kidnapping attempt and the rescue of fourteen (14) victims. Unfortunately, during the escape, two (2) of the victims sustained gunshot injuries from the assailants.”

Similarly, police operatives attached to the Kaduna State Police Command on Sunday, November 24, 2024, engaged a group of bandits in large number at Idasu Village, Kidandan Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, and foiled another kidnapping attempt.

They successfully rescued 89 victims and recovered 1 locally made AK-47 rifle and 5 rounds of live ammunition.

“This plus other foiled kidnapping attempts in Lagos, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Delta States are highly commendable as well,” Adejobi acknowledged.

Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun commended the efforts of the operatives of the security agency for their exceptional display of gallantry, professionalism, and dedication to duty.

IGP Egbetokun reiterated the commitment of the police towards continual professionalism and dedication to the safety and security of Nigeria.