The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man identified as Moferewa Maiye for allegedly impersonating an officer of the Service and extorting money from motorists and commuters in Abuja.
Maiye, who reportedly hails from Agbajojun Village in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, was arrested late Wednesday by DSS operatives at his hideout around NITEL Junction, along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, Abuja.
Sources said the suspect was wearing a DSS tactical uniform and was in possession of a fake pistol when he was apprehended.
According to a security source, the DSS acted on credible intelligence indicating that Maiye had been using the uniform and imitation firearm to intimidate motorists and other members of the public and allegedly extort money from them.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly told investigators that his late brother, identified as Monday Maiye, had been a DSS personnel. He allegedly claimed that the uniform and other DSS items in his possession belonged to his deceased brother.
The suspect remains in custody and is undergoing interrogation as investigators work to determine how he obtained the DSS uniform and tactical equipment.
Security operatives are also investigating how long Maiye may have been involved in the alleged impersonation and extortion activities and whether he acted alone or had accomplices.
The arrest, the source said, highlights the DSS’s growing concern over individuals who impersonate security personnel to intimidate members of the public and engage in criminal activities.
The Service is expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the suspect’s activities as investigations continue.
