The Delta State Police Command has arrested three suspected fraudsters for allegedly impersonating top government officials and defrauding a community leader of N5.475 million.
The suspects, identified as Aghogho Okpogbodu (51), Moses Exist (48) and Benjamin Owah (49), were arrested by detectives attached to the Area Command, Effurun, following an investigation.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Monday, 20th October 2026, the suspects allegedly impersonated high-ranking government officials to defraud unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of securing employment, political appointments and other government privileges.
“Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects allegedly used SIM cards purportedly registered under the identities of prominent public officials, including Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Chief Hon. Onoriode Sunday, Director of Protocol to the Governor of Delta State; and Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo, identified as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Delta State, among others,” the statement said.
They also allegedly exploited a caller-identification application on mobile phones, which displays names associated with incoming telephone numbers, to create the false impression that their calls originated from the officials being impersonated.
In one of their operations, the suspects allegedly impersonated the Director of Protocol to the Governor and defrauded a community leader from Otu-Jeremi of N5,475,000 under the false pretence of facilitating his appointment as President-General of the community.
A search of the suspects’ premises led to the recovery of seven mobile phones, 17 SIM cards, 12 ATM cards bearing different account holders’ names, one Point-of-Sale terminal and documents containing financial and identification information belonging to different individuals.
The police said investigation is ongoing to identify other possible victims and accomplices.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, cautioned members of the public against relying on caller-identification applications as proof of a caller’s identity, particularly where financial demands or promises of government appointments are involved.
He urged anyone who may have fallen victim to the suspects or similar schemes to come forward with credible information to assist the investigation, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to combating fraud.
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