The Nigerian Army has arrested Staff Sgt. Amoke Simon, a serving soldier, for his involvement in alleged fraud to the tune of N114 million and for defrauding Abia State Government by falsely claiming to have killed notorious kidnap kingpin Obioma Nwankwo, popularly known as “Osisikankwu”, in 2010.
Posting on his official X handle on Monday, a security expert Zaragoza Makama, said Simon, attached to the Nigerian Army Engineers Corps in Lagos, was caught at Port Harcourt International Airport while trying to flee to Abuja.
Investigations revealed that he was not part of the team that neutralised “Osisikankwu” and had been involved in other fraudulent activities, including targeting individuals and organizations.
Quoting military sources Makama said Simon’s claims are “false and misleading”, and several officers who participated in the 2010 operation have expressed concern over the misrepresentation. He also falsely claimed to have fought Boko Haram in Borno.
While receiving Amoke Simon last week, the Abia State Government had promised him support, including medical assistance, based on his false claims.
However, military records show he was never deployed to the operation or any theatre in the North-East.
Newsbuka reports that the Nigerian Army is investigating and will take disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, this case has raised concerns about verifying claims made for recognition or assistance based on security operations.
Some of Simon’s alleged fraudulent activities include: using a motorcycle accident as a cover to solicit financial assistance, claiming to have participated in operations he wasn’t part of, targeting individuals and organizations for financial gain.
Fake Soldier Who Allegedly Defrauded Abia Govt Nabbed in Port Harcourt
- Advertisement -
