45-Year-Old ‘Fake Philanthropist’ Arrested In Enugu, 18 Fraudulently Obtained Rice Bags Recovered

Enugu's police recently apprehended a 45-year-old impostor posing as a philanthropist, identified as Nnamani Joseph. Their investigation led to the recovery of 18 25kg bags of rice obtained through fraudulent means.

According to DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, diligent action by officers from the Ogui Police Division prevented Joseph from successfully defrauding a businessman. Joseph had convinced the businessman, under the guise of charity for a church, to supply him with the rice, valued at about N400,000.

On February 14, Joseph visited a church in Ogui, Enugu, and placed an order with the businessman. After receiving the rice, he accompanied the businessman to the bank for payment via bank transfer. However, Joseph absconded from the bank, returning to the church and disappearing with the rice.

Ndukwe disclosed, "The suspect was apprehended on January 20, 2024, in Enene, Enugu, where eight bags of rice were recovered. He had sold the remaining bags at Oye Emene Market."

"The suspect and his associates will face legal repercussions once investigations conclude," Ndukwe affirmed. He urged the public, especially business owners, to remain vigilant against such fraudulent schemes and encouraged anyone who may have been victimized by Joseph to come forward with information to aid the ongoing investigation.