JUST IN: Fake Major General arrested

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a man in Kaduna State for allegedly impersonating a retired Major General in what authorities describe as a case of suspected fraud and deception.

The suspect was reportedly apprehended on June 11 by personnel of the 312 Artillery Regiment deployed at the Strike Force Base in the Sabo area of Kaduna State following intelligence-led operations.

Military sources told The Guardian that the suspect had been posing as a retired senior military officer before his arrest and is currently in custody undergoing preliminary investigation.

The sources added that, upon conclusion of initial military procedures, the suspect would be handed over to relevant security agencies for further interrogation and possible prosecution.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the impersonation and to establish whether other individuals may have been involved in the alleged scheme.

The Anambra State Government has disclosed the arrest of a cleric, Pastor Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, who has been accused of engaging in the alleged manipulation and forcefully taking of multiple married women from their husbands.

The pastor, who is currently under investigation, was arrested following allegations that he coerced some female members of his church into leaving their husbands, with claims that he also allegedly “swapped wives” among congregants.

The development comes amid a broader crackdown by the Anambra State Government on suspected fake pastors, which has already led to the arraignment of eight clerics in court, with several alleged victims now coming forward to share their experiences.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Ejimofor Opara, confirmed the arrest in a Facebook post, stating that the clergyman has been handed over to the police for further investigation.

“Pastor Harrison Charles, owner of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba following a viral video containing several allegations against him,” Ejimofor said.

He added that a joint investigation involving the Anambra State Police Command and the state government has commenced.

“During his arrest, about eleven babies were found in his home. He claims to be the father of these eleven babies, stating they are from eleven of his wives,” he stated.

“He also claims he does not know the number of wives he has married or the total number of children he has.”

According to him, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, urged members of the public with additional information on the pastor’s activities to come forward and assist ongoing investigations.

“While investigations continue… anyone with additional information should report to the State Government via 08034182108,” he added.

The remains of Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar (rtd), has been laid to rest on Saturday evening at the Gidan Dawa cemetery, Katsina, following the release of his body by kidnappers who abducted him and his wife.

The burial, conducted according to Islamic rites, took place at about 6:45 p.m. and drew a large gathering of mourners, including the Deputy Governor of Katsina, Faruq Lawal-Jobe.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports other dignitaries at the burial include senior government officials, military officers, traditional rulers, family members and sympathisers.

Also in attendance was the Commander of the 17 Brigade, Katsina, alongside other security personnel who paid their final respects to the late senior military officer.

The funeral came just hours after the abductors released the remains of the retired General.

The circumstances surrounding his death while in captivity have continued to generate public concern and sadness across the country.

The former army spokesperson’s death has been widely mourned by government officials, security stakeholders and members of the public.

Many of the sympathisers described him as a distinguished officer whose military career was marked by dedication, patriotism and service to the nation.

Condolence messages have continued to pour in from various quarters, with sympathisers praying for the repose of his soul and comfort for his bereaved family. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AABS/ROT