Edo Arrests Fake PUWOV Official Over Extortion, Impersonation

BENIN CITY 

Officials of the Edo State Public Works Volunteers have apprehended one Mr. Festus Okosun, a suspected impersonator of the scheme, who is in the business of extorting and molesting residents around the Oba Ovonranmwen Square within the Benin metropolis.

The PUWOV state commander, Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, said the suspect has been extorting and impounding vehicles of unsuspecting members of the public while posing as an official of PUWOV.

According to him, the suspect was apprehended at IbiweJunction by Ring Road, Benin City, and has been handed over to the Oba Market Police Division for further investigation and prosecution.

Yusuf-Osagie said the suspect was working in collaboration with two uniformed law enforcement officers, noting that the officers have been duly reported and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The PUWOV coordinator noted, “Officials of the Edo State Public Works Volunteers has apprehended one Mr. Festus Okosun, a suspected impersonator of PUWOV who has been extorting and molesting residents of Oba Ovonranmwen Square within the Benin metropolis, in collaboration with some law enforcement officers.

“The two uniformed law enforcement officers have been duly reported to their agencies for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

“The suspect was arrested following a tip-off from an anonymous caller on the illegal operations of the gang who illegally impound vehicles of unsuspecting members of the public at the back of Urhokpota Hall, while perpetuating their extortive acts.”

He continued, “He was apprehended while extorting N4,200and N 8,000 respectively from some motorists at Ibiwe Junction at Oba Ovonranmwen Square

“The suspect has been taken to Oba Market Police Division for investigation. The case is presently in court as he is being prosecuted accordingly.”

The state commander further admonished members of the public to be on the lookout for fake PUWOV officials and report suspected persons by calling 09150322999 or 08132030846.