Man nabbed for allegedly impersonating FCT minister, N38m fraud

The police have arrested Terhemba Tsuum, suspected to have impersonated the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to defraud the public of N38 million. The Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Cosmas Uzodinma, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

Tsuum, 39, was paraded yesterday at the FCT Police Command. The Police Public Relations Officer, Anjuguri Manzah, said: “The police launched investigation into the matter and deployed modern technology in tracing the suspect to Benue State. There he was arrested and brought to the FCT to face the law.”

Manzah implored residents of the FCT, and indeed all Nigerians, to be vigilant and more conscious of the people they do business with. “Do a proper check before parting with your money, because money is not easy to come by. Also, ensure that you are dealing with the right persons, especially, when it comes to the issue of land,” he said.

He stressed that the FCT Police Command is alive to its responsibilities and would broaden its investigation to ensure that those involved in nefarious activities are arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

The suspect confessed to have committed the crime and regretted that he was unaware of the gravity of the offence. He also disclosed that he had since refunded almost all the monies to his victims, except about N5 million naira and N1.9 million, belonging to one Mimi.

He added that it was Mimi who reported the case to the police when he failed to return her money. According to him, he returned the money because his mind was unsettled, and could no longer bear it.

He explained: “I started using the minister’s name, because I thought it is the person who people would be convinced about his authority in land matters. I have no contact or any dealing with him. I don’t even know him, and he doesn’t also know me.”

He added that he has been in Abuja for close to five years, but had not always been in the property agent business. He said he decided to venture into the business because things were not going well with him.

Tsuum, who holds a Diploma in Theatre Arts, disclosed that his job was to “connect those who have land to sell with buyers and get five per cent.