The Nigerian Army has arrested a serving soldier, Staff Sgt. Amoke Simon, over an alleged N114 million fraud and false claims that he played a role in the operation that killed notorious kidnap kingpin, Obioma Nwankwo, popularly known as “Osisikankwu.”
Military sources said the suspect, a member of the Nigerian Army Engineers Corps attached to a regiment in Lagos, was apprehended at 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.
According to military 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 claim reportedly earned him recognition and a promise of support, including medical assistance.
Further findings indicated that the suspect had also been on the radar of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged involvement in several fraudulent activities 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 said.
Investigators disclosed that the suspect’s alleged fraudulent activities intensified after he sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident during an unauthorised movement in Lagos, which he reportedly used as a cover to solicit financial assistance from victims.
However, military records and testimonies from troops involved in the 2010 operation contradict his claims, indicating that he neither participated in nor had any operational link to the mission that led to the neutralisation of “Osisikankwu.”
An officer who took part in the operation explained that the mission was led by Timothy Oparon, who was then a Major, under the command of Andrew Audu.
“He led 26 soldiers into the forest in December 2010 to track and neutralise the kingpin and rescue several kidnapped victims. The individual making these claims was not part of our team and was never deployed to that theatre of operation,” he said.
Another source stated that the operation, conducted in the forests of Abia State, resulted in the neutralisation of the gang leader, the rescue of about 10 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of arms and ammunition. Officers who participated in the mission reportedly expressed concern over the alleged misrepresentation.
Military sources also confirmed that the suspect had never been deployed to Maiduguri or any theatre in the North-East, contrary to claims he made that he was wounded while fighting Boko Haram in Borno while seeking assistance.
Sources at the North-East Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, also confirmed that the soldier was never deployed to Maiduguri or the frontline for any battle.
“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.
Military authorities said efforts are ongoing to transfer the suspect to Lagos for the conclusion of investigations and the commencement of appropriate disciplinary procedures.
