A serving soldier of the Nigerian Army, Staff Sgt. Amoke Simon, has been arrested over alleged large-scale fraud amounting to N114 million and false claims linking him to the 2010 operation that killed notorious kidnap kingpin, Obioma Nwankwo, popularly known as “Osisikankwu.”
Military sources said the suspect, a member of the Nigerian Army Engineers Corps attached to a regiment in Lagos, was apprehended at the Port Harcourt International Airport while allegedly attempting to flee to Abuja.
He was reportedly arrested by joint troops of 14 Brigade and 6 Division Provost Groups following ongoing investigations into multiple allegations bordering on fraud and impersonation.
According to the sources, preliminary findings showed that the soldier allegedly defrauded the Abia State Government by falsely presenting himself as a key figure in the 2010 military operation that led to the neutralisation of “Osisikankwu.”
The false claim reportedly earned him official recognition and a promise of support from the state government, including medical assistance.
Further investigations also revealed that the suspect had been on the radar of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged involvement in a string of fraudulent activities targeting individuals and organisations.
A military source said the soldier allegedly defrauded a company of about N100 million, obtained N6 million from an individual under false pretences, and also duped a group of persons of about N8 million before going into hiding.
Investigators further disclosed that the suspect’s alleged fraudulent activities intensified after he sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident while on unauthorised movement in Lagos, which he reportedly used as a cover to solicit financial assistance from unsuspecting victims.
However, military records and testimonies from personnel involved in the 2010 operation contradicted his claims, confirming that he neither participated in nor had any operational link to the mission that led to the killing of “Osisikankwu.”
An officer who took part in the operation stated that the suspect was never part of the team deployed for the mission.
According to the officer, the operation was led by Brig.-Gen. Timothy Oparon, then a Major, under the command of Brig.-Gen. Andrew Audu, with 26 soldiers deployed into the Abia forest in December 2010 to track and neutralise the gang leader and rescue kidnapped victims.
“He led 26 soldiers into the forest in December 2010 to track and neutralise the kingpin and rescue several kidnapped victims. The individual making these claims was not part of our team and was never deployed to that theatre of operation,” the source said.
Another source explained that the operation resulted in the successful neutralisation of the gang leader, the rescue of about 10 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
The sources described the suspect’s claims as false and misleading, noting that several officers and soldiers who participated in the mission had raised concerns over the misrepresentation.
Military sources also dismissed the soldier’s separate claims that he was wounded while fighting Boko Haram in Borno State.
Sources at the North-East Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, reportedly confirmed that the soldier was never deployed to Maiduguri or any frontline operation in the North-East.
“He exploited a fabricated operational history to deceive government officials and members of the public. His actions not only amount to fraud but also undermine the sacrifices of personnel who genuinely participated in that high-risk operation,” another source said.
Sources added that efforts were ongoing to transfer the suspect to Lagos for the conclusion of investigations and commencement of appropriate disciplinary procedures.
The development has raised fresh concerns over the need for stricter due diligence and verification of claims made by individuals seeking recognition, support, or assistance based on security operations.
Source : Zagazola / Spye TV
