Man arrested for pretending to be DSS officer in Abuja

The Department of State Services has arrested a man named Moferewa Maiye. He was caught for pretending to be an officer of the DSS and using a fake gun to extort money from commuters and drivers in Abuja.

PUNCH Metro learned on Thursday that Maiye was picked up late on Wednesday. DSS operatives found him hiding around NITEL Junction, along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, Abuja. They acted on good information received by the Service.

When they arrested him, Maiye was wearing a DSS tactical uniform and had a fake pistol with him.

A security source revealed that he used the uniform and gun to scare commuters and drivers. He allegedly took money from them.

The source noted that Maiye, who claimed to come from Agbajojun Village in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, told investigators that his brother was a DSS officer who died years ago.

The suspect said his brother's name was Monday Maiye and claimed that the DSS uniform and other items found with him belonged to his late brother.

"Investigators are also trying to find out how long he has been impersonating officers and extorting people," the source said.

PUNCH Metro learned that Maiye is still in DSS custody and being questioned. Investigators are also looking into how he got the DSS uniform and other tactical gear.

The source said the arrest shows the Service's worry about people who pretend to be security officers. These impersonators often intimidate the public and commit crimes.

"The arrest shows the growing concerns by the Service over the actions of people who impersonate security personnel to frighten the public and engage in criminal acts," the source added.