Fake Air Force Sergeant Arrested Over Alleged POS Fraud In Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected impostor accused of posing as a Nigerian Air Force officer to allegedly defraud a Point of Sale (POS) operator in Ibadan.

A post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama revealed that the suspect, identified as Yusuf Abdullahi, was arrested at the Iwo Road area of Ibadan while allegedly dressed in military camouflage and pretending to be a serving sergeant in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

According to sources, the arrest followed a complaint lodged at the Iyaganku Police Division by a POS operator, Mrs Ayedun Abisola Adedoyin, who resides in the Oke-Padre area of Ibadan.

The complainant said the incident happened on June 1 after the suspect visited Ogunpa Market, where he bought items including a cooking gas regulator and air freshener from a trader.

“The suspect allegedly introduced himself as a sergeant in the Nigerian Air Force and convinced the complainant to hand over N150,000 in cash on the pretext that he would transfer the money electronically alongside payment for the items he had purchased.

After collecting the cash and items, he allegedly disappeared without making the promised transfer,” the source said.

Police sources further stated that the suspect was tracked and arrested on June 9 at about 1:40 p.m. while still wearing military camouflage.

Investigations revealed that he had previously been arrested by the same police division over a similar offence before being handed over to the Nigerian Air Force Base in Akobo, Ibadan, for prosecution and disciplinary action.

During interrogation, detectives contacted a serving Air Force officer, Flight Lieutenant Amuda, attached to the NAF Base in Akobo, who confirmed that the suspect was not a serving member of the Nigerian Air Force.

Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his activities and whether other victims were involved in similar fraud schemes.

The Command also urged residents to remain vigilant when dealing with individuals claiming to be security personnel.