Police Nab Fake ‘Army Colonel’ in Ondo Over ₦1.37 Million Job Scam
Job scams prey on desperate dreams. In Nigeria, a man posing as an Army colonel just got caught after allegedly pocketing over ₦1.37 million from hopeful parents seeking government gigs for their kids.
The Arrest: Tracking Down the Impostor
Ondo State Police swooped in on September 10, 2025. They nabbed Abdullahi Saliu at Top Quality Hotel in Akure. Saliu, no military man, strutted as a Nigerian Army colonel. He targeted families with promises of plum jobs in the Nigeria Customs Service and Immigration.
Police tracked him after complaints piled up. Saliu had evaded capture for years. His scams spanned Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Kogi states. The bust came during a routine operation. Officers found him in full fake regalia, ready for his next con.
DSP Funmilayo Omilana, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, broke the news. She called it a “major breakthrough” in their anti-fraud push. Saliu now faces charges of fraud and impersonation.
The Scam: Desperate Parents Duped
Saliu’s scheme hit hard. He approached two women: Oshoade Janet and Daisi Remilekun Joy. He dangled jobs for their sons in federal agencies. Each paid hefty “processing fees.” Janet forked over ₦700,000. Joy added ₦677,000. Total haul: ₦1,377,000.
Saliu vanished after the cash hit his pockets. He used it for personal luxuries, police say. The victims waited in vain for recruitment letters. Heartbroken, they reported him. Their tips cracked the case.
This wasn’t Saliu’s first rodeo. He had a rap sheet of similar hustles. Posing as Navy brass or Customs chiefs, he milked job seekers across states. Police had him on a watchlist. His arrest ends a long chase.
Nigeria’s job market fuels such frauds. Youth unemployment hovers at 40%. Scammers exploit the scramble for stable gigs in government.
Official Response: Police Vow Crackdown
Commissioner of Police Abiodun Asabi praised the team. “Fraudsters have no hiding place in Ondo,” she warned. The Command plans more raids on scam rings.
Saliu remains in custody. Investigations continue. Police recovered some exhibits, including fake IDs and uniforms. They urge victims to come forward.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) might join later. They handle big fraud cases nationwide.
Expert Views: A Pattern of Impersonation Scams
Security analysts spot a trend. Retired DSP Oluwaseun Ayodele called it “classic advance-fee fraud.” Impostors use authority figures like colonels to build trust. “Military uniforms scare off doubts,” he said.
The Nigeria Fraud Watch Group agrees. They report 500+ job scams monthly. “Desperation makes people easy marks,” a spokesperson noted.
On social media, reactions pour in. X users blast the scam: “Another fake colonel? When will we learn?” one posted. Others share tips: “Verify jobs through official channels only.” Hashtags like #StopJobScams trend.
Parents vent frustration. One victim relative tweeted: “My sister’s life savings gone. Justice now!” The outcry pushes for better awareness campaigns.
Impact on U.S. Readers: Echoes in Global Fraud
For Americans, this Nigerian bust rings familiar. The U.S. loses $5.8 billion yearly to job scams. FBI reports fake military cons hit veterans hard.
Economically, it ties to remittances. Nigerian-Americans send $25 billion home yearly. Scams drain diaspora funds, hiking U.S. wire transfer fees.
Lifestyle-wise, it warns expats. U.S.-based Nigerians face family pleas for “job help” cash—often traps. Politically, it spotlights U.S. aid to Nigeria’s anti-fraud tech, like FBI training programs.
Technologically, scammers use WhatsApp and fake sites—mirroring U.S. phishing waves.
Conclusion: A Win Against Deception
Ondo Police’s nab of fake colonel Abdullahi Saliu halts a ₦1.37 million job scam. It spotlights the pain of duped families and the fight against fraud.
Looking ahead, expect tougher probes and public education. As Nigeria’s economy strains, scams may rise—but arrests like this deter them. Stay vigilant: real jobs don’t demand upfront fees.
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