PoS fraud in Kwara: NSCDC arrests a suspect accused of using fake bank alerts and military impersonation to defraud victims

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps), Kwara State Command, has arrested a 34-year-old man, Akinola Tosin, for allegedly defrauding a Point-of-Sale operator using a fake bank transfer alert while impersonating a member of the Nigerian Army.

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The arrest was confirmed on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Ayoola Michael, who said the suspect was apprehended following a complaint lodged by a PoS operator in the state.

According to the command, the suspect allegedly obtained N40,600 from the operator after presenting a fraudulent debit alert as evidence of payment.

Michael said preliminary investigations indicated that the victim released the money after being deceived into believing a successful electronic transfer had been completed.

The investigation later uncovered what authorities described as a broader pattern of criminal activity involving military impersonation.

According to the NSCDC spokesperson, the suspect allegedly posed as a member of the Nigerian Army using a fake military identity card bearing his name. Investigators said he also possessed military-related paraphernalia, which he allegedly used to gain the confidence of members of the public and facilitate fraudulent activities.

Items recovered from the suspect include eight ATM cards and a National Identity Card, which are now being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

The command further disclosed that the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation to engaging in previous fraudulent activities involving multiple victims.

Investigators also identified a suspected accomplice, Feranmi Idoko Godwin, who remains at large.

Michael said efforts were underway to track down and arrest the fleeing suspect while investigators continue to unravel the full extent of the alleged fraud network.

The Commandant of the Kwara State NSCDC Command, Abbas Mohammed, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to tackling criminal activities and protecting residents from financial fraud.

Mohammed urged members of the public to exercise caution when conducting electronic transactions and to verify payments before releasing cash, goods or other valuables.

He specifically advised PoS operators, traders and business owners to confirm transfers through official banking channels rather than relying solely on transaction alerts, warning that fraudsters increasingly exploit fake notifications to deceive unsuspecting victims.