NSCDC Arrests Fake Lawmaker, Three Others For Forgery, Identity Theft

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested four suspects over allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy, forgery, impersonation, and attempts to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

The suspects, identified as one Hon. Hassan Sani Jikan Mallam, Obeten John, Abubakar Mohammed and Lucky Ndirika Emenike, were arrested by operatives of the Corps’ Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) following intelligence reports that linked them to a sophisticated impersonation and forgery ring targeting government institutions and foreign embassies.

According to a statement issued by the Corps National Public Relations Officer, CSC Afolabi Babawale, preliminary investigations revealed that the prime suspect, Jikan Mallam, had been parading himself as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Katsina Central Constituency.

Under this guise, he allegedly issued official correspondences, complimentary cards, and dispatch envelopes bearing the inscription “Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hon. Hassan Sani Jikan Mallam, Member, House of Representatives, Katsina Central Constituency, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.”

Babawale explained that the suspects were arrested after they deceitfully sought an audience with the NSCDC Commandant General, posing as an Honourable Member of the National Assembly.

However, upon interrogation, their claims collapsed under scrutiny.

During profiling and interviews, the principal suspect confessed that he hired a Toyota Prado SUV with registration number ABC 359 GN through a car hire driver named Ismaila, who introduced him to the driver Lucky Ndirika Emenike.

He further admitted that he requested a police escort to enhance his credibility, and one Inalegwu Ameh, allegedly a police officer on duty at NICON Luxury Hotel, volunteered to join his team.

Further investigations revealed that the fake lawmaker and his accomplices embarked on several illegal “official” visits to ministries and corporate offices across Abuja, including the Ministry of Art and Culture, Federal Secretariat, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, and an automobile workshop in Jabi, before proceeding to the suspect’s residence at No. 21 Bamako Street, Zone 1, Abuja.

In a continuation of the impersonation spree, Jikan Mallam again requested a security orderly through Lucky Ndirika Emenike, who then contacted Inspector Obeten John, a police officer who appeared in camouflage suspected to be a Nigeria Police uniform.

The trio later visited the Spanish Embassy at No. 8 Bobo Close, Maitama, where they allegedly met with the Spanish Ambassador and submitted visa applications for over ten persons, posing as a serving House of Representatives member.

They also visited the Ministry of Works and Housing in Mabushi, Abuja, under the same pretense.

Their activities, however, came to an end when they attempted to extend the deception to the NSCDC headquarters, where they sought to meet the Commandant General himself. They were immediately arrested and taken into custody for questioning.

Items recovered from the suspects include multiple copies of complimentary cards bearing the name “Hon. Hassan Sani Jikan Mallam,” forged National Assembly letterheads, official dispatch envelopes, and signed letters addressed to several foreign embassies, including those of Spain, France, the Netherlands, and China.

Other letters were addressed to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Human Resources Department.

The spokesperson also said investigators recovered photographs purportedly showing the suspect with ambassadors of Spain and Romania.

Speaking on the arrest, the Commandant of the Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), Commandant A.S. Dandaura JP, confirmed that all four suspects had confessed to varying degrees of involvement in the criminal scheme.

He assured that the case would be diligently prosecuted in a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as a deterrent to others with similar intentions.

“This incident is still under investigation, but we can confirm that all suspects have admitted their roles in this elaborate impersonation scheme. The Corps will ensure diligent prosecution to make an example of them,” Dandaura said.

He also advised the public to exercise vigilance when dealing with individuals claiming to hold public office and to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to security agencies.

The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to maintaining integrity and professionalism in safeguarding Nigeria’s public institutions, and stressed that impersonation of government officials remains a serious offence punishable under the law.