By IDRIS AHMED, Lokoja
Kogi state Police Command has arrested three persons over alleged impersonation of the Kogi state Governor’s wife, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, to defraud members of the public.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kogi State Command, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, who confirmed the arrest on Tuesday in Lokoja, said the suspects are in custody of the Police Quick Response Unit.
According to the PPRO, the suspects allegedly printed forms with the name of the First Lady and sold same to unsuspecting members of the public for enrolment into a fake empowerment programme.
He explained that the suspects deceived their victims that the said cooperative was the empowerment platform of the First Lady.
“The suspects were nabbed in Lokoja, Kogi State capital on Tuesday, when an undercover agent approached them and bought the form
“The matter is under investigation and once concluded we shall prosecute them accordingly,” SP Aya said.
When contacted top aide of the governor’s wife, who craved anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, confirmed the incident.
“It’s unfortunate that some heartless individuals are still defrauding the poor in our midst.
“Yes, Her Excellency Hajia Sefinat Usman-Ododo got wind of the fraudulent activities of those three fraudsters and she was the one that initiated the process leading to their arrest.
“This is because she was deeply concerned about the plight of the poor women, who might have believe the fake empowerment.
“Her Excellency is into a lot of programs to empower women and children and these programs are well communicated to members of the public. Our channels of communication are clear and known to the people., the official said.
He therefore advised members of the public to always do thorough checks before taking steps to engage in such programs
He insisted that the the Governor’s wife wouldn’t have sold an empowerment form to anyone. It will also be good if those people are prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.
