SAN FRANCISCO, September 19, (THEWILL) – Jehu Kwasu, son of late Anglican Bishop, James Kwasu, has been nabbed for impersonating the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, defrauding prominent Nigerians in the process.
The 25-year old explained that he defrauded his victims to the tune of N5.7m by soliciting money on phone to cater to Internally Displaced Persons in the country, however, only N1.7m was found in his bank account as he had spent most of the money on girls and hard drugs.
“I collected N500,000 from Oba Otudeko, Chairman, Honeywell Group; From Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, I got N500,000; I also got N500,000 from Bishop David Oyedepo, President of Living Faith Church Worldwide; and N2m from Alhaji Aminu Dantata. I also got money from Gen. Wushishi and others,” he said.
“I opened a Guaranty Trust Bank account in Bishop Kukah’s name. I registered a SIM card in my name, but used Bishop Kukah’s picture on my True Caller account, so that when I call, his picture would appear (on the recipient’s phone.)
“I called people on the telephone and told them I was Bishop Kukah. I used his picture on my True Caller account, so that when I called people, they would think he was the one talking with them.
“I also obtained a passport in Bishop Kukah’s name which I used to open an account with GTB. The money I realised was paid into the account and I used an Automated Teller Machine card to withdraw it.”
Bishop Kukah was alerted to the scam by his close associates and he petitioned the police, which asked the bank to place a “no debit order” on the account.
Kwasu was forced to visit the bank to complain following his inability to withdraw from the account and was arrested by men of the Nigerian Police, Federal Capital Territory command.
“We received a petition from Bishop Kukah alleging that the boy had been impersonating him and extorting money from prominent people,” Muhammad Mustafa, Commissioner of Police, FCT Command stated.
“So, my men went to work and were able to track the suspect and arrest him. He is a habitual criminal and I would like to advise the public against responding to emails or phone calls from unknown persons requesting financial support for one cause or the other.”
The suspect had also exploited his father’s name, to extort money from the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, when the latter was the Speaker, House of Representatives.
Kwasu had earlier been arrested and remanded in prison for impersonating Bishop Steven Akobe of the Anglican Diocese of Kabba, Kogi State, but was granted bail.
The police said Kwasu had also attempted to extort money from Senator David Mark, claiming to be Akobe.
“Mark said I should come for some money, so I sent my girlfriend. But she was arrested and I was taken to court and sentenced to two months imprisonment or N9,000 fine,” Kwasu stated.
Story by David Oputah
