Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a man in Maiduguri for allegedly impersonating one of its operatives and defrauding unsuspecting members of the public of N3 million, in a case that has once again exposed the growing menace of criminals exploiting the reputation of Nigeria's anti-graft agency for personal gain. The suspect, identified as Nuhu Dahiru, was apprehended on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Tashan Bama, along Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, following credible intelligence received by operatives of the commission's Maiduguri Zonal Directorate.
According to the EFCC, Dahiru had been parading himself as an officer of the commission, using the false identity to obtain money from unsuspecting members of the public under false pretences. The anti-graft agency disclosed the arrest in a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday, confirming that a total sum of N3 million was recovered from the suspect at the point of his arrest. "Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested one Nuhu Dahiru for impersonation and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N3,000,000.00," the EFCC said in the statement. "The suspect was arrested in Tashan Bama, along Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, following credible intelligence indicating that he had been parading himself as an officer of the EFCC, and thereby defrauding unsuspecting members of the public."
The EFCC's Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. The arrest is part of the commission's ongoing efforts to tackle fraudulent activities and protect members of the public from individuals who impersonate its officials to perpetrate financial crimes. The case underscores a troubling trend that has seen criminals increasingly adopt the identities of EFCC operatives to intimidate, extort and defraud citizens across the country.
The use of fake EFCC identities by criminals is not new. In 2024, the police in Niger State arrested five people who allegedly posed as EFCC officials and abducted two students of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai. The suspects entered an off-campus students' lodge, forced the two students into a Toyota Corolla and took five phones from them. The police said the suspects used three electric tasers as guns during the operation and later demanded N10 million from the students before reducing the demand to N500,000. Other students alerted the police, who mobilised and trailed the vehicle to Suleja Road by Kwakuti, where three of the suspects were arrested. The police also stated that the suspects had fake EFCC identity cards which were produced at a shop in Nyanya, Abuja.
In 2019, the police in Lagos arrested a 29-year-old man, Emeka Emmanuel, for allegedly posing as an EFCC operative and defrauding people with promises of securing jobs for them at the commission. Emmanuel was arrested by the Ojo Police Division after allegedly collecting N51,000 from a man whose son he had promised to help secure an EFCC job. Around the same period, a suspected fake EFCC official was arrested in Adamawa after allegedly attempting to defraud the Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly. The suspect, identified as Simon Bolki, allegedly approached the lawmaker in his office and claimed to be an operative of the commission's Intelligence Unit.
The arrest of Nuhu Dahiru in Maiduguri is a stark reminder of the lengths to which criminals will go to exploit the public's trust in anti-corruption agencies. By parading themselves as EFCC operatives, these impostors not only defraud innocent citizens but also damage the reputation of the commission and erode public confidence in its work. The EFCC has consistently warned members of the public to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be its operative and to report suspicious activities to the nearest EFCC office or security agency. The commission has also urged citizens to be wary of individuals who demand money or gifts in exchange for favourable treatment or to avoid arrest, as such demands are not consistent with the commission's standard operating procedures.
For now, Nuhu Dahiru remains in custody as investigations continue. The EFCC has made it clear that it will not tolerate any attempt by criminals to use its name for fraudulent purposes, and the suspect is expected to face the full weight of the law. The recovery of N3 million from the suspect is a significant achievement, but the case also serves as a cautionary tale for Nigerians: not everyone who claims to be an EFCC operative is who they say they are. In a country where trust in institutions is already fragile, the actions of a few impostors can cause lasting damage. The EFCC's vigilance in this case is a welcome reminder that the agency is committed to protecting the public, even from those who pretend to be its own.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments