Thursday, March 26, 2026 - The Nigerian Army has arrested a soldier, Staff Sergeant Amoke Simon, over allegations of large-scale fraud reportedly involving about N114 million.
The soldier was also accused of making false claims linked
to the k!lling of a notorious kidnap suspect, Obioma Nwankwo, also known as
“Osisikankwu.”
Staff Sergeant Amoke Simon, said to be attached to the Army
Engineers Corps in Lagos, was arrested at the Port Harcourt International
Airport while allegedly attempting to travel to Abuja.
His arrest followed an ongoing investigation into claims of
impersonation and financial fraud.
According to Guardian Nigeria, military sources said that
the operation that led to the soldier’s arrest was carried out by troops from
the 14 Brigade and the 6 Division Provost units after intelligence reports
connected him to several fraudulent activities.
Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect allegedly
misled officials of the Abia State Government by presenting himself as one of
the key operatives involved in the 2010 operation that led to the k!lling of
the wanted gang leader, “Osisikankwu”, the rescue of several kidnapped victims,
and the recovery of weapons.
The claim reportedly earned him recognition and promises of
assistance, including medical support.
Investigators further alleged that the soldier was already
under scrutiny by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over
separate fraud-related complaints involving individuals and organisations.
Sources familiar with the investigation claimed that he
allegedly collected about N100 million from a company, obtained another N6
million from a private individual under false pretences, and also received
about N8 million from a group of persons before he went into hiding.
Military insiders also said that the suspect allegedly
intensified his activities after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle accident
in Lagos, which he reportedly used as justification to seek financial help from
different people.
However, records reviewed by the military reportedly showed
that the soldier was not part of the 2010 operation in Abia State that led to
the k!lling of Osisikankwu. Officers, who participated in the mission
maintained that the exercise was led by then Major Timothy Oparon under the
command of Brig.-Gen. Andrew
Audu, and involved a team of 26 soldiers deployed to track
the gang leader in the forest.
Further checks by military authorities also indicated that
the detained soldier was never deployed to Maiduguri or any North-East theatre
of operation, contrary to claims he allegedly made while seeking assistance,
including statements that he was injured during operations against Boko Haram
terrorists.
A source within the North-East operational command said the
soldier had no record of frontline deployment, describing the alleged claims as
fabricated and capable of undermining the sacrifices of personnel who actually
took part in such missions.
Military authorities said arrangements were being made to
move the suspect to Lagos for further investigation and possible disciplinary
action.
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