Fake ‘Inspector of Customs’ apprehended in Abuja
In a recent development, the Nigeria Customs Service apprehended an individual named Iliya Yabo, who had been impersonating an Inspector of Customs and engaging in fraudulent activities that posed a threat not only to the service but also to the nation as a whole.
On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, the suspect was paraded at the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters, and Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, the Public Relations Officer of the service, provided further details. It was revealed that Iliya Yabo had defrauded numerous people of their hard-earned money.
According to the spokesperson, Yabo was not employed by the Nigeria Customs Service. The arrest was made following a petition filed by Mr. Kletus, one of the victims, on March 7, 2022, accusing Yabo of defrauding him of a substantial amount, amounting to two million naira.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that in 2022, the suspect assumed the identity of a Nigeria Customs Service officer and fraudulently obtained the sum of two million naira from Mr. Clement Jacob, one million naira from Chima Kletus, and 1.2 million naira from Aminu Shu’aibu,” explained Maiwada.
He further divulged that the suspect had also swindled Emmanuel Akor out of one million naira, and collected 1.4 million naira from Haruna Mustapha. Additionally, Yabo managed to deceive Musa Ishaku Sakanto and obtained a sum of 750,000 naira, all under the pretense of purchasing seized vehicles auctioned by the Nigeria Customs Service.
Expressing his dismay, the Customs Public Relations Officer condemned the suspect’s ruthless acts against hardworking and law-abiding citizens. Maiwada revealed that Yabo had even gone to the extent of crafting a fake service uniform, acquiring a counterfeit service number, and acquiring a ceremonial uniform to attend events, perpetuating his deception.
Following the investigation, Iliya Yabo will be taken to court to face charges. The spokesperson advised citizens to exercise vigilance due to the existence of numerous individuals like Yabo who engage in fraudulent activities. Maiwada emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service would use all necessary means within their constitutional powers to rid society of such fraudsters.