DSS arrests man for allegedly impersonating operatives, extorting Abuja motorists

The Department of State Services has arrested a man identified as Moferewa Maiye for allegedly impersonating its operatives and using the identity to intimidate and extort motorists and commuters in Abuja.

Maiye was reportedly arrested on Wednesday night at his hideout near NITEL Junction along Adetokunbo Ademola Way in Wuse II, Abuja.

According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, DSS operatives tracked the suspect to the location following credible intelligence.

He was allegedly wearing a DSS tactical uniform and carrying a fake pistol at the time of his arrest.

A security source said Maiye allegedly used the uniform and fake weapon to intimidate motorists and commuters before extorting money from them.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly claimed that the DSS uniform belonged to his late brother, Monday Maiye, whom he said was an officer of the agency before his death several years ago.

“He identified the brother as Monday Maiye, stressing that the DSS kit in his possession was his late brother’s,” the source said.

Maiye remains in custody and is being interrogated as investigators work to determine how he obtained the DSS uniform and other equipment.

Authorities are also investigating how long he may have been involved in the alleged impersonation and extortion of members of the public.