The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man identified as Moferewa Maiye for allegedly impersonating an operative of the service and using a fake weapon to intimidate and extort motorists and commuters in Abuja.
Maiye was reportedly arrested on Wednesday night at his hideout near NITEL Junction along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, following intelligence that he had been posing as a DSS operative.
According to reports, the suspect was wearing a DSS tactical uniform and was in possession of a fake pistol at the time of his arrest.
Security sources said Maiye allegedly used the uniform and fake weapon to intimidate members of the public and extort money from motorists and commuters.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly claimed that his late brother, identified as Monday Maiye, was a DSS officer and that the DSS uniform and other items found in his possession belonged to him.
The suspect, who reportedly hails from Agbajojun village in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, is currently being interrogated as security operatives investigate how he obtained the DSS uniform and other equipment.
Investigators are also working to determine how long he may have been involved in the alleged impersonation and extortion, as well as whether he acted alone or had other accomplices.
The arrest has further highlighted concerns over the increasing cases of individuals allegedly impersonating security personnel to intimidate members of the public and engage in criminal activities.
