The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man accused of impersonating its personnel and allegedly using a tactical uniform and fake firearm to intimidate and extort motorists in Abuja.
The suspect, identified as Moferewa Maiye from Agbajojun Village in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, was arrested late Wednesday around NITEL Junction along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II.
According to a security source, the DSS acted on credible intelligence that Maiye had allegedly been posing as a DSS operative and using the uniform and fake weapon to intimidate commuters and motorists and extort money from them.
The suspect was reportedly arrested after DSS operatives trailed him to his hideout, where he was allegedly found with a DSS tactical uniform and a fake pistol.
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During interrogation, Maiye reportedly claimed that his late brother, identified as Monday Maiye, was a DSS personnel who died several years ago. He allegedly told investigators that the uniform and other DSS-related items in his possession belonged to his late brother.
The DSS is investigating how the suspect obtained the uniform and other items bearing the identity of the Service.
Investigators are also working to determine whether Maiye had previously engaged in similar acts of impersonation and extortion and how long the alleged activities had continued.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
The arrest forms part of efforts by security agencies to prevent individuals from exploiting the identities and uniforms of security personnel to intimidate members of the public or commit crimes.
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