The Nigerian Army has arrested Amoke Simon, a serving soldier, over alleged fraud amounting to N114 million and false claims linked to the killing of Obioma Nwankwo, a “notorious kidnap kingpin”, popularly known as “Osisikankwu”.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, that the suspect is a member of the Nigerian Army Engineers Corps attached to a regiment in Lagos and was apprehended at the Port Harcourt International Airport while attempting to flee to Abuja.
“He was arrested by joint troops of 14 Brigade and 6 Division Provost Groups following ongoing investigations into multiple allegations of fraud and impersonation,” the source said.
“According to the sources, preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier allegedly defrauded the Abia State Government by falsely presenting himself as a key figure in the 2010 operation that led to the elimination of the notorious kingpin.
“The false narrative reportedly earned him official recognition and a promise of support from the Abia State Government, including medical assistance.”
Makama said further investigations revealed that the suspect was “on the radar” of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his alleged involvement in multiple fraudulent schemes targeting individuals and organisations.
“He allegedly defrauded a company of about N100 million, obtained N6 million from an individual under false pretences, and also duped a group of persons of about N8 million. He had been on the run before his arrest,” a source was quoted to have said.
Investigators said the soldier “intensified his fraudulent activities” after a motorcycle accident in Lagos, using it as a basis to solicit financial aid.
However, military records show he had no role in the 2010 operation that killed Osisikankwu.
Military sources also noted that he was never deployed to Maiduguri or the north-east, contrary to his claims of being injured while fighting Boko Haram.
“He exploited a fabricated operational history to deceive government officials and members of the public. His actions not only amount to fraud but also undermine the sacrifices of personnel who genuinely participated in that high-risk operation,” another source said.
Makama noted that efforts were ongoing to transfer the suspect to Lagos for the conclusion of investigations and the commencement of appropriate disciplinary procedures.
