By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Delta State Police Command has arrested three suspected fraudsters accused of impersonating top government officials to defraud a community leader of ₦5.475 million under the guise of securing a political appointment.
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 police statement issued on October 20, 2026, the suspects allegedly used SIM cards linked to the identities of prominent public officials, including Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and officials in the Delta State Government.
They also allegedly exploited a caller-identification application to make their calls appear to originate from the officials they impersonated.
In one alleged operation, the suspects reportedly defrauded a community leader from Otu-Jeremi of ₦5,475,000 by falsely promising to facilitate his appointment as President-General of his community.
Items Recovered
A search of the suspects’ premises reportedly led to the recovery of seven mobile phones, 17 SIM cards, 12 ATM cards bearing different names, one Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal and documents containing financial and identification details belonging to various individuals.
Police said investigations are ongoing to identify other possible victims and accomplices.
Police Warn Against Impersonation Scams
The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, cautioned the public against relying on caller-identification applications to verify callers’ identities, particularly when money or promises of government appointments are involved.
He urged anyone who may have fallen victim to the suspects or similar scams to provide credible information to assist the investigation.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to combating fraud and bringing anyone found culpable to justice.
Source: Delta State Police Command.
Issued by: SP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, Asaba.
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