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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Crime & Justice

DSS arrests fake operative extorting Abuja motorists with toy gun

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A man was arrested in Abuja for impersonating a Department of State Services (DSS) officer and extorting motorists with a toy gun.
  • The suspect, identified as Moferewa Maiye, was apprehended in a DSS tactical uniform with a fake pistol.
  • The arrest highlights the DSS's concern over individuals impersonating security personnel for criminal activities.

Authorities in Abuja have arrested a man accused of impersonating a Department of State Services (DSS) officer and extorting money from motorists using a toy gun. The suspect, Moferewa Maiye, was apprehended late Wednesday at his hideout in Wuse II, Abuja, following intelligence received by the DSS.

At the time of his arrest, Maiye was reportedly dressed in a DSS tactical uniform and possessed a fake pistol. Security sources indicated that he used the uniform and weapon to intimidate commuters and motorists, extorting money from them. Maiye, who hails from Kogi State, told investigators that his brother was a DSS operative who died years ago, and that the uniform and equipment belonged to his deceased brother.

Investigators are also trying to establish how long the suspect has been involved in similar acts of impersonation and extortion.

โ€” Security sourceRegarding the ongoing investigation into the suspect's activities.

Investigators are working to determine how long Maiye has been involved in such acts and how he obtained the DSS uniform and tactical gear. The DSS stated that the arrest underscores its growing concern about individuals who impersonate security personnel to intimidate the public and engage in criminal acts. The suspect remains in DSS custody for interrogation.

The arrest underscores growing concerns by the Service over the activities of individuals who impersonate security personnel to intimidate members of the public and commit criminality.

โ€” Security sourceHighlighting the DSS's broader concerns about security impersonation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.