Port Harcourt – The Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has arrested two male suspects for allegedly parading themselves as majors in the army.
The Army Public Relations Officer, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Capt. Eli Lazarus, made the disclosure on Tuesday while parading the suspects before newsmen.
Lazarus said the two suspects, Fabian Enudi, 39, and Samuel Agaga, 38, indigenes of Delta and Bayelsa states, were arrested separately dressed in full army uniforms with rank of major.
“Enudi dressed in army uniform presented himself as an army major to our troops on security checkpoint at Mbiama area in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers.
“Enudi, realising he could not defend himself while being interrogated by our personnel at the checkpoint, speedily drove past the checkpoint in an attempt to escape arrest.
“Our troops pursued him for several kilometres until he was stopped and apprehended.
“During the pursuit, our troops fired warning shots to demobilize his car but the suspect unfortunately sustained gunshot wounds to his leg”, he said.
Lazarus said the suspect confessed to being a major supplier and transporter of cannabis and other banned substances for an unknown drug cartel.
He said the suspect was receiving medical treatment at the Military Hospital in Port Harcourt.
Similarly, Lazarus said troops also arrested one Agaga who having dressed as a major boldly came to its barrack to request that soldiers accompany him to settle a land dispute.
“Apparently, the suspect thinking that as a senior officer, he could deceive our personnel was arrested when he could not provide his identification card or defend himself.
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“Preliminary investigation revealed the two suspects have been impersonating military officers using our uniforms while having dealings with unsuspecting members of the public.
“The suspects have defrauded a lot of people but they met their waterloo when our troops intercepted them in the course of their nefarious activities”, he said.
Lazarus called on members of the public to be wary of such individuals, urging them to check with the military authorities when dealing with army personnel.
The spokesman said that investigation was ongoing to unravel how the suspects were able to get army uniforms and accoutrements.
According to him, the suspects would be handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The two suspects admitted the crime before newsmen and pleaded for leniency. Army arrest pastor, 2 others over fake miracles in Port Harcourt
Lazarus also said the army arrested a pastor and two others who faked miracles and healings to deceive members of his church and the public.
Presenting the suspects to newsmen Lazarus said the suspects had several members.
“We got a tip-off from a member of the church who complained of immoral and fraudulent activities going on in the church.
“The self-acclaimed pastor and his collaborators were subsequently arrested and they confessed to duping unsuspecting members of the public of various sums of money.
“The suspects also confessed to stage-managing miracles and healings to attract members to their church in Aluu community close to Port Harcourt,” he said.
Lazarus said the suspects would be handed over to the police for further investigation and possible arraignment.
He urged members of the public to be wary of fake pastors, urging them to provide information to security agencies that could lead to arrest of such groups and individuals.
The prime suspect, aged 27, founding pastor of the church, confessed to have paid his collaborators undisclosed sums of money to give false testimonies.
The suspect said his church, Revelation Power Ministry, had over 100 worshipers in its congregation.
“I told my accomplices to tell congregation that after performing miracles, they were healed from a terminal illness.
“This was done to enable me draw more members to the church and to retain my old members numbering over hundred.
“So, after praying for them during church service; they lifted up their hands and professed to my church members of their healing.
“I’m very sorry for my actions which have offended God and man; and if forgiven, I will live a life that will be pleasing to heaven”, the suspect said. (NAN)