Crime

Why I regret impersonating EFCC, Nigerian Army personnel, suspect says

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 14th, 2024.

Why I regret impersonating EFCC, Nigerian Army personnel, suspect says

Oluwatobi Salami, a 30-year-old individual apprehended by the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for vandalism and impersonation, has expressed remorse for his actions.

The Ogun State Commandant, David Ojelabi, reported on Tuesday that Salami, along with another suspect, was paraded at the NSCDC headquarters in Abeokuta. Salami was apprehended by members of the Sagamu community near the OGD International Market on Saturday and subsequently handed over to NSCDC officials. Ojelabi explained that Salami was found in possession of EFCC jackets and Nigerian Army uniforms, which he had used to impersonate officials from these organizations.

Salami is set to be transferred to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

Additionally, Ojelabi addressed the arrest of Idris Zakari, a 20-year-old from Bagudu Local Government, Kebbi State. Zakari was detained on August 9, 2024, at a railway site in Ifo Local Government Area for vandalizing railway clips. Arrested by the So-Safe Corps, Zakari was handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation and prosecution to ensure accountability for the destruction of government property.

Ojelabi condemned vandalism as a serious economic sabotage and emphasized the NSCDC’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies and the public to combat crime.

In a statement to journalists, Salami admitted to stealing the EFCC uniforms from a hotel in Lekki, Lagos, and having Nigerian Army insignia printed on a vest to pose as a soldier. He confessed to taking photos in the stolen uniforms and sending them to friends under the pretense of being a military officer. Expressing deep regret, Salami pleaded for leniency, citing the death of his parents and his desire for the government to use his case as a cautionary tale.