Ondo NSCDC Nabs Fake US Army Captain For Visa Scam; UNICAL Mass Comm Student For Kidnapping

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo state is in custody of one Megbowon Olumide Taiwo, a suspected fake Captain of the United States Army.

Megbowon, of Number 2 Joy Street, Okitipupa, Ondo state, is alleged to have duped many unsuspecting victims with a promise to secure jobs for them in the US.

Also nabbed is one 400 Level Mass Communication student of the University of Calabar, Anthony Edum Oscar, of number 31 Jordan street, Ikot Ishie, Calabar Cross River State, aged 21 years as a suspected specialist in kidnapping of teenagers for ransom.

Aidamenbor Daniel,

Public Relations Officer

NSCDC Ondo Command, disclosed on Tuesday that “The suspect was arrested on 17th February 2024 at his residence in Calabar by the Corps operatives.

“On January 30th 2024, a complaint of missing person was reported by Mr and Mrs Araba Alaba of number 24 Double Taiwo Street, Ijoka Akure of their missing daughter, one Araba Joy Temitope, 17 years old girl at the NSCDC headquarters here.

“She was reported missing since January 24th 2024 while returning home from her school; Elibest College of Education, Oba Ile, Akure North.

“The Command, through the office of the Public Relations issued a ‘Missing Person Statement’ to the Press same day, January 30th, 2024, for whoever knows her where about to contact the parents or the command with contact numbers.

“On 6th February, 2024, 7 days after the Command Press Release, a phone number which was later identified to be that of Anthony Edun Oscar’s contacted the parents of the missing girl that their daughter was in his camp for rehabilitation and demanded for N50,000.00 to be sent to a Monie Point Microfinance bank account No 8162041939 and that their daughter will be released.

“A sting operation was initiated and the parents were instructed to pay the said amount and the mobile number was tracked and the suspect was arrested on 17th February, 2024 after a detailed forensic analysis.

“The suspect confessed to the allegations and admitted to receiving the N50,000 ransom, but has not reveal the where about of the victim.

“From investigation, the suspect who is a 400 Level Mass Communication student of University of Calabar has various photographs of missing persons and their families contacts on his phone suggesting that he is into kidnapping for ransom, fraud and Cybercrimes.

“Investigation is still ongoing to unravel the location of the missing girl and to arrest his accomplices

“On 20th of February, 2024, a complain of Visa scam was reported against one Megbowon Olumide Taiwo of Number 2 Joy Street, Okitipupa, Ondo state. Who claimed to be a Captain in the United State Army.

“The suspect met Ms Bolaji Odetunde on 2nd May, 2023 online claiming to be Army officer from United State of America that he was on annual leave in Nigeria.

“He promised the complainant a slot to work in America and asked her to deposit the sum of N300,000. he stopped picking calls after the payment.

“Several other unsuspected victims were duped of their hard earned money running into thousands of Naira by promising them jobs in USA and requesting for money to help them obtain International passports.

“The suspect was arrested at No 20 Ife Adejuwon street Oshinle, Akure and he has made confessional statement to the crime which is punishable  under the criminal  code Act section 422, section 421 and section 419.”

One Olaiya Timothy,(m), age 22 years  of Messiah Avenue, High school Area, Araromi street, Akure was arrested on the 20th January, 2024 at Celestial Church of Christ where he went to steal phones.

“Investigation revealed that the suspect always attends church  vigils where he carry out his nefarious act of burglary and stealing.

“The following items were recovered from him;  Android phones, iphone, ATM card, Token, MP, Laptops and Laptop bags.

“At the end of our investigation which are already at various stages, the suspects will be charged to court to serve as deterrent to others.”