The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a man who falsely claimed to be a member of the House of Representatives, alongside three accomplices accused of criminal conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, said the Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Audi, has ordered a full investigation into the activities of the syndicate led by one Hon. Hassan Sani Jikan Mallam. The suspects, identified as Hassan Sani Jikan Mallam, Obeten John, Abubakar Mohammed, and Lucky Emenike, were apprehended by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS).
Preliminary investigations revealed that the prime suspect had been parading himself as a member of the House of Representatives representing Katsina Central Constituency. He reportedly issued forged official letters and complimentary cards bearing the inscription: “Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hon. Hassan Sani Jikan Mallam, Member House of Representatives, Katsina Central Constituency, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.”
Babawale disclosed that the suspects were arrested when they attempted to visit the NSCDC Commandant General under the guise of a legislative courtesy call. During interrogation, the fake lawmaker confessed to hiring a Prado SUV with registration number ABC 359 GN for his illicit operations. He also admitted to recruiting individuals posing as police officers, including one Inalegwu Ameh and Inspector Obeten John, to act as his security orderlies.
Investigations further revealed that the impostor and his team had embarked on fraudulent “official” visits to several government agencies and diplomatic missions, including the Ministry of Art and Culture, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, and the embassies of Spain and France. They reportedly submitted visa applications and forged documents under the pretext of being endorsed by a sitting lawmaker.
Recovered exhibits from the suspects include fake National Assembly letterheads, official envelopes, multiple complimentary cards, and signed letters addressed to various embassies and federal agencies.
The Commandant of the Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant Apollo Dandaura, confirmed that all suspects confessed to their roles in the criminal scheme. He added that the case will be diligently prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar acts.
The NSCDC urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or activities to security agencies to curb the rising trend of impersonation and identity fraud.
