The Department of State Services has arrested a man identified as Moferewa Maiye for allegedly impersonating a DSS operative and extorting motorists and commuters in Abuja with a toy gun.
Maiye was arrested late Wednesday by DSS operatives at his hideout near NITEL Junction along Adetokunbo Ademola Way in Wuse II, Abuja, following intelligence received by the Service.
The suspect was allegedly dressed in a DSS tactical uniform and had a fake pistol in his possession at the time of his arrest.
A security source said Maiye allegedly used the uniform and fake weapon to intimidate commuters and motorists before extorting money from them.
The source said the suspect, who claimed to be from Agbajojun Village in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, told investigators that his brother was a DSS operative who died several years ago.
According to the source, Maiye identified his late brother as Monday Maiye and claimed that the DSS uniform and other items recovered from him belonged to his deceased sibling.
“Investigators are also trying to establish how long the suspect has been involved in similar acts of impersonation and extortion,” the source said.
The suspect remains in DSS custody and is being interrogated as investigators probe how he obtained the Service’s uniform and other tactical equipment.
The source said the arrest reflected growing concerns over individuals impersonating security personnel to intimidate members of the public and commit criminal acts.
“The arrest underscores growing concerns by the Service over the activities of individuals who impersonate security personnel to intimidate members of the public and commit criminality,” the source added.
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