The Department of State Services has arrested a man identified as Moferewa Maiye for allegedly impersonating an officer of the Service and using a fake firearm to extort commuters and motorists in Abuja.
Maiye was arrested late Wednesday by DSS operatives at his hideout around NITEL Junction, along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, Abuja, following credible intelligence received by the Service.
At the time of his arrest, the suspect was allegedly dressed in a DSS tactical uniform and had a fake pistol in his possession.
A security source said the suspect had been using the uniform and weapon to intimidate commuters and motorists, and allegedly extort money from them.
The source said Maiye, who claimed to be from Agbajojun Village in the Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, told investigators that his brother was a DSS operative who died several years ago.
According to the source, the suspect identified his late brother as Monday Maiye and claimed that the DSS uniform and other items found in his possession belonged to him.
“Investigators are also trying to establish how long the suspect has been involved in similar acts of impersonation and extortion,” the source said.
The suspect remains in DSS custody and is being interrogated, while investigators are probing how he obtained the Service’s uniform and other tactical equipment.
The source said the arrest underscored its growing concern over the activities of individuals who impersonate security personnel to intimidate members of the public and commit criminal acts.
“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,” the source added.
