By Uche Onyeali
Department of State Services, DSS, has arrested two dismissed officers, Barry Donald and Victor Godwin, who were accused of impersonating the service to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
The DSS in a statement yesterday confirmed that the former operatives earlier declared wanted in separate public warnings, had been arrested and would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
According to the statement, “The Department of State Services recently issued disclaimers on two dismissed personnel of the service, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin. These individuals were alleged to be cloaking under the service to engage in fraudulent activities.
“The public is hereby notified that these culprits have been apprehended and will face prosecution in accordance with the law.”
Their arrests followed a series of alerts by the DSS warning Nigerians against dealing with the former officers dismissed for misconduct but still parading themselves as active operatives.
The secret police had raised alarm over the activities of Godwin, accusing him of using the DSS name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
In the same vein, on October 8, a separate statement was issued concerning Donald, another dismissed officer alleged to be impersonating the agency for fraudulent purposes.
The DSS said it remains committed to protecting Nigerians from impostors and maintaining public trust in the Service. It also revealed plans to publish the names of other previously dismissed personnel to prevent citizens from falling victim to similar schemes.
It urged members of the public to verify all official engagements through its verified communication channels and report any suspicious activities involving persons claiming to represent the service.
