By Monsurat Abisoye
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected impostor accused of disguising himself as a Nigerian Air Force officer to allegedly defraud a Point of Sale (POS) operator in Ibadan.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama, in a post on X, disclosed that the suspect, identified as Yusuf Abdullahi, was arrested at the Iwo Road area of Ibadan while allegedly wearing military camouflage and posing as a serving sergeant in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
According to sources, the case was reported at the Iyaganku Police Division by a POS operator, Mrs Ayedun Abisola Adedoyin, who resides in the Oke-Padre area of Ibadan.
The incident reportedly occurred on June 1 at Ogunpa Market, where the suspect allegedly purchased items, including a cooking gas regulator and air freshener, from a trader. He was said to have introduced himself as a Nigerian Air Force sergeant and persuaded the complainant to give him ₦150,000 in cash, claiming he would transfer the money electronically along with payment for the goods.
However, after collecting the cash and items, he allegedly disappeared without making any payment.
Police sources confirmed that the suspect was tracked down and arrested on June 9 at about 1:40 p.m., still dressed in military camouflage at the time of his arrest.
Investigations further revealed that he had previously been arrested by the same division for a similar offence and had earlier been handed over to the Nigerian Air Force Base in Akobo, Ibadan, for prosecution and disciplinary measures.
During interrogation, detectives reportedly contacted a serving Air Force officer, Flight Lieutenant Amuda, attached to the NAF Base in Akobo but currently serving in Adamawa State. The officer confirmed that the suspect is not a member of the Nigerian Air Force.
The police said investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his alleged activities and to identify any additional victims who may have been defrauded using the same method.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant when dealing with individuals claiming to be security personnel.