By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu Bo City
In the early hours of Wednesday, November 27, 2024, a man identified as Joseph Williams, also known to some as Lahai Kpaka, was apprehended by the Bo West Division Operations Team led by Superintendent Alieu S. Kamara. The arrest occurred in the Moriba Town Section of Bo.
The suspect, who was dressed in full military combat uniform, claimed to reside at Number 3 Kings Street, King Jimmy Section, Bonthe Municipality. However, others alleged that he hailed from masa kpagoma cormiby cream Chiefdom in Bonthe District. Williams further disclosed that he is a final-year student at the University of Makeni (UNIMAC), studying Christian Life Education.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect has been impersonating military personnel and allegedly extorting money by posing as an agent of an organization offering business sponsorships. Multiple victims have accused him of fraudulent activities, describing him as an imposter operating under false pretenses.
Following his arrest, Williams is currently detained at the Regional Police Headquarters South, where he is assisting the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) with ongoing inquiries.
The Regional Police Commander South, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Brima Kanneh, has called on potential victims of the suspect’s schemes to come forward and identify him.
In a related development, Brigadier General G.M. Bangura, Brigade Commander of Gondama Barracks, confirmed that the suspect has no official ties to the military. Brigadier General Bangura commended the swift action of AIG Kanneh and his team and emphasized the need for rigorous investigations to deter such impersonation cases in the future.
The police have assured the public of their commitment to protecting citizens and bringing fraudsters to justice.