In addition to leading Ansaru, a Boko Haram
splinter group affiliated with al-Qaeda in the
Islamic Maghreb, al-Barnawi was responsible
for recruiting young people into Ansaru and
Boko Haram terrorist groups.
The DSS also arrested Bello Danhajiya, a close
associate of al-Barnawi. Investigations
indicate that he was second-in-command to
al-Barnawi and was involved in gun-running
among other criminal activities.
In another development, the DSS also
announced the arrest of several individuals
suspected to be guilty of impersonating police
officers and other government officials.
The following were arrested: Aminu Ado, David
Ali Michika, Umar Hamza, James Malu Akune,
and Kazeem Kayode Usman.
Read the full press release below:
DANHAJIYA is a Fulani from Zamfara State
and a strategic accomplice of AL-BARNAWI.
Preliminary investigations have disclosed his
involvement in gun-running, cattle rustling and
other nefarious criminal activities principally
on the directives of his commander, AL-
BARNAWI. So far, efforts are being made to
conclude the investigations and commence
prosecution in line with the law.
In another development, this Service, worried
by the spate of impersonation of government
officials and the increasing rate of defrauding
of unsuspecting members of the public by
some unscrupulous elements, launched
detailed investigations aimed at checking the
situation. The Service, therefore, wishes to
inform the public about the outcome of these
successful operations which have led to the
apprehension of the following suspects:
i. Aminu ADO (aka Yusha’u Muhammed
Yerima ADAM);
ii. David Ali MICHIKA;
iii. Umar HAMZA;
iv. James Malu AKUNE; and
v. Kazeem Kayode USMAN.
Aminu ADO: ADO was arrested on 24th March,
2016 at Keffi Nasarawa State. He confessed
to defrauding T.Y. DANJUMA (Lt. Gen/Rtd) of
N1m in 2015 and wife of Akwa Ibom State
Governor of three Hundred Thousand Naira in
collaboration with one Hajia AISHA (FNU),
who impersonated the wife of former Gombe
State Governor, Danjuma GOJE. Also, he
confessed to defrauding members of the
public by claiming to be the Chief Security
Officer (CSO) to the President. Further
investigation revealed that ADO had the
mobile phone numbers of all the Federal
Executive Council (FEC) members, some State
Governors, their wives and Aides as well as
that of prominent Nigerians and Military/
Police Officers.
David Ali MICHIKA: Subject is a 43-year old
from Jimeta, Adamawa State but resides at
Ungogo LGA of Kano State. He once lived in
Riyad, Saudi Arabia for ten years as an illegal
immigrant until he was deported in 2008. He
was arrested in Kano for impersonating the
Secretary to the Government of The Federation
(SGF). MICHIKA had called several high
ranking Government officials soliciting for
funds to settle spiritualists (Mallams) for
prayers rendered for the success of the APC in
the 2015 general election and for peace in the
nation.
Umar HAMZA: HAMZA is a 39-year old school
teacher from Tarauni LGA of Kano State. He
was recruited by MICHIKA to act as the
spiritualist based in the Niger Republic to be
paid for the service rendered. He received calls
from the victims while pretending to be the
spiritualist.
James Malu AKUNE: AKUNE is a 40-year old
male from Tarka LGA of Benue State. He
claims to be a contractor with business
interests in China and USA. He paraded
himself as the brother of the Minister of Niger
Delta Affairs and defrauded people on false
promises of contracts. He equally arranged to
get a contract for companies from the victim
Support Committee for the North-East, headed
by T.Y. DANJUMA. Before his arrest, AKUNE
called Contractors and promised them an
appointment with the Minister of Niger Delta
Affairs.
Kazeem Kayode USMAN: USMAN was arrested
in Lagos on April 12th, 2016. He has been on
the trail of security agencies for the
impersonation of Abba KYARI, Chief of Staff
to the President.
It is instructive to note that these suspects
opened and operated bank accounts through
which they collected various sums of money
from their victims. A major revelation to this
effect is the haste with which banks opened
accounts for prospective customers without
ascertaining their genuine personal details.
Another noticeable trend is the spread of
impersonators who adopt different illegal
means to defraud their victims. The public is
to take note of this trend and report such
suspicion persons to appropriate security
agencies.
This Service wishes to re-emphasize its
commitment to the safety of all law-abiding
citizens and residents and will continue to
deal decisively with those who have chosen to
be on the wrong side of the law.
Garba ABDULLAHI
For: Tony OPUIYO
Department of State Services,
Abuja.
13th April, 2016. http://saharareporters.com/2016/04/13/dss-arrests-al-barnawi-deputy-and-police-impersonators