Man sentenced to one year in prison for impersonating Nigerian Army Major and defrauding hospital staff

Friday, November 15, 2024 -The Ikeja Special Offences Court has sentenced Musa Jimoh to one year and four months imprisonment for impersonating a Nigerian Army Major and possessing fraudulent documents.

Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the verdict on Thursday, describing Jimoh’s actions as calculated, premeditated, and damaging to public trust in the country’s military institutions.

“This offence is particularly egregious because it was executed within a hospital setting, using sophisticated fraudulent documentation to deceive victims,” the judge said.

Jimoh was found in possession of forged materials, including a counterfeit Nigerian Army ID card, purported EFCC candidate lists, and fabricated application forms. Investigations revealed that he created these documents using computer equipment in Kogi State.

The case began when Jimoh presented himself as a Nigerian Army captain at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where his wife was receiving medical care. He claimed to have connections to secure jobs in the EFCC, Nigerian Customs Service, and Immigration Service, as well as admissions to the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Healthcare worker Yusuf Olajire, who attended to Jimoh’s wife, became one of the victims after being convinced of Jimoh’s influence. Jimoh solicited over ₦8 million from victims under false pretenses.

When Jimoh became unreachable, Olajire filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), leading to the convict's arrest in March 2020. However, Jimoh absconded after being granted administrative bail and was re-arrested in August 2024.

Justice Oshodi rejected Jimoh’s plea for a non-custodial sentence, emphasizing the gravity of his offense and disregard for justice. “I have considered your counsel’s submission for leniency but must reject it,” the judge said. 

Jimoh was sentenced to one year and four months imprisonment and ordered to be registered in the State Judiciary’s Offenders’ Biometrics Scheme.

Additionally, the court directed that restitution be made to the victims using a manager’s cheque submitted as evidence during the trial. The EFCC praised the verdict, reiterating its commitment to combating fraud Lagos and protecting the integrity of public institutions.