The Nigerian Army has arrested a serving soldier, Amoke Simon, over alleged involvement in a multi-million naira fraud and false claims relating to the killing of a notorious criminal figure, Obioma Nwankwo, popularly known as “Osisikankwu.”
According to military sources, the suspect, who is a member of the Nigerian Army Engineers Corps attached to a regiment in Lagos, was apprehended at the Port Harcourt International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Abuja.
The arrest was carried out by joint troops of the 14 Brigade and the 6 Division Provost Groups following ongoing investigations into allegations bordering on fraud and impersonation.
Sources disclosed that preliminary findings indicate that the suspect allegedly defrauded the Abia State Government by falsely presenting himself as a key participant in the 2010 operation that led to the elimination of the notorious kidnap kingpin. The claim reportedly earned him official recognition and promises of support, including medical assistance from the state government.
Further investigations revealed that the soldier had also been on the radar of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for his alleged involvement in multiple fraudulent schemes targeting individuals and organisations.
A source familiar with the investigation disclosed that the suspect allegedly defrauded a company of about N100 million, obtained N6 million from an individual under false pretences, and also duped a group of persons of about N8 million. He was reportedly on the run prior to his arrest.
Investigators also revealed that the suspect intensified his alleged fraudulent activities after being involved in a motorcycle accident in Lagos, which he allegedly used as a pretext to solicit financial assistance from unsuspecting victims.
However, military records have since confirmed that the suspect had no role in the 2010 operation that neutralised Osisikankwu. He was also never deployed to Maiduguri or the North-East, contrary to his claims of sustaining injuries while fighting Boko Haram insurgents.
Military authorities condemned the actions, noting that the suspect’s conduct not only constitutes fraud but also undermines the sacrifices of personnel who genuinely participated in high-risk operations.
Efforts are currently underway to transfer the suspect to Lagos for the conclusion of investigations and the commencement of appropriate disciplinary procedures.
