The Nigerian Army has arrested a 35-year-old man, Clifford Maisamari, for allegedly impersonating a military officer in what authorities say may be a fake soldier dating scam. He is also accused of obtaining more than N700,000 from two women in Gombe and Bauchi states.
According to The PUNCH, soldiers of the 301 Artillery Regiment in Gombe arrested Maisamari on Thursday. This followed a report related to a fake soldier dating scam in which he had falsely presented himself as a serving soldier.
Investigators alleged that he received more than N500,000 from a businesswoman in Gombe. He also took about N210,000 from another woman in Bauchi during relationships in which he claimed to need financial assistance, a tactic commonly associated with fake soldier dating scams.
Maisamari admits impersonation
Speaking after his arrest, Maisamari admitted telling one of the women that he was a military officer. However, he denied entering the relationships with the intention of defrauding them.
“Yes, I told the lady that I am a military personnel,” he said, explaining that the woman had provided him with money after he described his financial difficulties.
He acknowledged receiving more than N500,000 from the Gombe-based businesswoman but maintained that he intended to repay the money.
“I know it is a big thing to say you are an army officer when you are not an officer. I agree to that, and I apologise,” he said.
Maisamari claimed that he worked as a patent medicine dealer in Kaduna State. He also said he had travelled in search of better business opportunities. Further reports suggest that fake soldier dating scam cases are on the rise in the region.
Women describe how suspicions arose
The Gombe businesswoman said she became suspicious after seeing a Facebook post. The post was warning other women about a man allegedly posing as a soldier.
She said she subsequently asked military contacts to verify a promotion letter Maisamari had shown her. According to her, they found that the number on the document did not match their records.
The woman said she maintained a cordial relationship with the suspect while arranging for his arrest. She feared that he might flee if he discovered her suspicions.
She added that her main concern was preventing other women from becoming victims. However, she would welcome the return of her money.
Army investigates possible accomplices
An Army official said further questioning would be conducted to determine whether Maisamari had accomplices. They also want to establish the extent of his alleged activities.
“We are still going to question him more to know if he has a syndicate and the extent he has gone in his duplicitous act,” the official said.
The Army said the suspect would be handed over to the civil police after preliminary investigations.
The allegations remain subject to investigation, and Maisamari has not been convicted of the offences.
