Four Suspects arrested for Forging documents from Presidency
Four individuals accused of forging official documents from the presidency and the National Chairman’s office of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate police recruitment processes for certain applicants have been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement released on Tuesday, November 26, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest of the male suspects: Khuzaifa Tafida, Zakari Abdullahi, Abdullahi Baba, and Adeyemo Morufu. They face charges of criminal conspiracy, document forgery, job racketeering, impersonation, and obtaining money under false pretenses.
According to the police, the suspects were part of a syndicate that forged government-issued documents, falsely claiming to originate from key government bodies. They allegedly used these forged documents to deceive victims, promising them job placements at the Nigeria Police Academy in Wudil and other federal government agencies in exchange for large sums of money.
The arrests were made following a report from the Special Assistant to the President and subsequent intelligence operations by the IGP-Special Investigation Unit. The police are continuing their investigation into the syndicate’s activities.
“The first and second suspects, Khuzaifa Tafida and Zakari Abdullahi had forged a document resembling one emanating from the office of the National Chairman, All Progressive Congress and another document with semblance to one from the State House Abuja. The duo then proceeded to present the documents to the office of the Inspector-General of Police as recommendations in favour of 13 persons for the Nigeria Police 2022 Special Recruitment.
“Upon receipt of these documents with suspicion, followed by a petition from the office of the Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a discreet investigation was conducted, which led to the apprehension of Khuzaifa Tafida and Zakari Abdullahi.
“Further investigation would then result in the arrest of the other suspects involved,” Adejobi said.
The police spokesperson revealed that during questioning, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime.
He stated, “They acknowledged forging documents from multiple government agencies to deceive innocent victims, promising them recruitment and job placements within various government institutions.”
He further disclosed that authorities recovered several forged classified documents, official stamps, N1.7 million in cash, and other incriminating materials from the suspects.
The police spokesman cautioned the public to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with individuals or groups offering illicit assistance outside the established legal processes.