Army Arrests Fleeing Soldier Over Alleged ₦114 Million Fraud, Fake ‘Osisikankwu’ Claims

The Nigerian Army has arrested a serving soldier, Staff Sgt. Amoke Simon, over alleged large-scale fraud amounting to ₦114 million and false claims regarding involvement in the killing of notorious kidnap kingpin, Obioma Nwankwo, popularly known as “Osisikankwu.”

Military sources disclosed to Zagagola Makama that the suspect, a member of the Nigerian Army Engineers Corps attached to a regiment in Lagos, was apprehended at the Port Harcourt International Airport while allegedly attempting to flee to Abuja.

He was arrested by joint troops of the 14 Brigade and 6 Division Provost Groups following ongoing investigations into allegations bordering on fraud and impersonation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier allegedly defrauded the Abia State Government by falsely presenting himself as a key participant in the 2010 operation that led to the elimination of “Osisikankwu.”

Sources said the false narrative earned him official recognition and a promise of support, including medical assistance.

Further findings indicated that the suspect had been on the radar of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged involvement in multiple fraudulent activities targeting individuals and organisations.

A source said, “He allegedly defrauded a company of about N100 million, obtained N6 million from an individual under false pretences, and also duped a group of persons of about N8 million. He had been on the run before his arrest.”

Investigators disclosed that the suspect’s fraudulent activities intensified after he sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident during an unauthorised movement in Lagos.

The injuries were allegedly used as a cover to solicit financial assistance from unsuspecting victims.

Contrary to his claims, military records and testimonies from personnel involved in the 2010 operation showed that the suspect neither participated in nor had any operational link to the mission.

An officer who took part in the operation clarified, “He was never part of the team deployed for the mission.”

The officer added that Brig.-Gen. Timothy Oparon, then a Major, led the operation under the command of Brig.-Gen. Andrew Audu.

“He led 26 soldiers into the forest in December 2010 to track and neutralise the kingpin and rescue several kidnapped victims. The individual making these claims was not part of our team and was never deployed to that theatre of operation,” he said.

Sources further explained that the operation, conducted in the forests of Abia State, resulted in the neutralisation of the gang leader and the rescue of about 10 kidnapped victims.

Arms and ammunition were also recovered during the operation.

They described the suspect’s claims as false and misleading, noting that genuine participants in the mission had raised concerns over the misrepresentation.

Military sources also dismissed claims by the suspect that he was wounded while fighting Boko Haram in Borno State.

Sources at the North-East Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed that he was never deployed to Maiduguri or any frontline operation.

A source said, “He exploited a fabricated operational history to deceive government officials and members of the public. His actions not only amount to fraud but also undermine the sacrifices of personnel who genuinely participated in that high-risk operation.”