The State Commandant of Nigeria’s Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, Commandant Maku Olatunde, has warned members of the public to be wary of anyone pretending to be a Civil Defence officer.
Comdt. Maku made the statement on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the State Command Headquarters in Awka, through Superintendent of Corps Edwin Okadigbo, the command’s head of media and tactical operations, while paraded a suspect impersonating a Civil Defence officer in order to deceive, extort, and commit fraudulent activities on unsuspecting citizens in Anambra State.
Giving a vivid account of how the suspect was arrested, Maku said; “On Tuesday October 15, 2024 at about 1300hrs, operatives of the command on routine patrol responded to intelligence regarding the suspect’s suspicious activities around Aroma in Awka.
“Acting on this information, the team swung into action and apprehended the suspect; Emmanuel Oche, male, aged 55 from Agila Town in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State dressed in an NSCDC uniform.”
According to a preliminary inquiry, the imposter, Emmanuel Oche, intimidated and took advantage of innocent victims by pretending to be a Civil Defence officer.
Oche’s surprising admission during questioning that he purchased the NSCDC outfit from a used clothing vendor in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State, exposed the depth of his dishonest practices.
As a result, the State Commandant has directed the Department of Investigation and Intelligence to carry out a covert inquiry to determine the origin of the uniform and the reason for the suspect’s impersonation of a Civil Defense officer.
Comdt. Maku added that after the investigation is finished, the suspect would face charges in court.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli