The Nigerian Army has arrested a serving soldier, Staff Sgt. Amoke Simon, over alleged large-scale fraud amounting to ₦114 million, alongside claims that he falsely presented himself as a key figure in the killing of notorious kidnap kingpin, Obioma Nwankwo, popularly known as “Osisikankwu.”
According to military sources, the suspect attached to the Army Engineers Corps 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 fraud and impersonation allegations.
Preliminary findings revealed that the soldier allegedly defrauded the Abia State Government by falsely claiming involvement in the 2010 military operation that led to the neutralisation of Osisikankwu.
The false claim reportedly earned him official recognition and promises of support, including medical assistance.
Investigators further disclosed that the suspect had been on the radar of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over multiple fraudulent activities targeting individuals and organisations.
A source alleged that he defrauded a company of about ₦100 million, collected ₦6 million from an individual under false pretences, and also obtained about ₦8 million from a group of people before being tracked down.
Military records and testimonies from personnel involved in the 2010 operation, however, debunked his claims, stating that he was not part of the mission.
An officer involved in the operation confirmed that Brig.-Gen. Timothy Oparon led the mission under Brig.-Gen. Andrew Audu, deploying 26 soldiers into the forests of Abia State to track and neutralise the kidnap kingpin and rescue victims.
The operation reportedly resulted in the rescue of about 10 kidnapped persons and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
Military sources also dismissed claims that the suspect sustained injuries while fighting Boko Haram in Borno State, confirming he was never deployed to the North-East theatre of operations under Operation HADIN KAI.
Officials described his actions as deceptive and damaging, noting that he allegedly exploited a fabricated military record to mislead government authorities and members of the public.
The Army emphasized that such misconduct undermines the sacrifices of personnel who genuinely participated in high-risk operations.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
