EFCC arraigns man for allegedly impersonating operatives, defrauding Abuja residents

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned a suspected impostor, Salifu Olije Mustapha, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kubwa, Abuja, over allegations of impersonation, misrepresentation and fraud.

Mustapha was brought before Justice A.I. Akobi on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, on a four-count charge bordering on allegedly posing as an operative of the anti-graft agency and using fake official identities to deceive members of the public.

According to the prosecution, the defendant falsely presented himself as an officer of the Nigerian Air Force and allegedly collaborated with two other suspects identified as Abubakar, who is currently at large, and Haruna Mamuda, who is reportedly under investigation by another law enforcement agency.

The prosecution alleged that sometime in March 2026, Mustapha conveyed the two suspects, dressed in EFCC operational uniforms, in a Toyota Corolla with registration number KTU399GT to Sheriff Plaza, Wuse II, Abuja, where they allegedly engaged in fraudulent activities targeting unsuspecting residents.

One of the charges stated that the defendant aided the suspects while falsely pretending to be a Nigerian Air Force officer, an offence said to be contrary to Section 84(c) and punishable under Section 132 of the Penal Code Act.

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Another count accused him of impersonating a public servant by falsely presenting himself as a Nigerian Air Force officer and using that assumed identity to defraud members of the public.

When the charges were read in court, Mustapha pleaded guilty to all four counts.

Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, R.U. Adaga, urged the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.

Justice Akobi subsequently adjourned the matter until June 1, 2026, for sentencing.

The EFCC disclosed that Mustapha was arrested following actionable intelligence linking him to the impersonation of EFCC personnel.

Investigators reportedly spotted him and two accomplices wearing fake EFCC uniforms while allegedly harassing motorists and extorting money from them in Abuja.

The Commission reiterated its warning against impersonation of security and anti-corruption agencies, stressing that such criminal acts undermine public trust and confidence in law enforcement institutions.