Ex-maritime student, 1 other arrested for allegedly posing as naval officers
An ex-student of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, and one other individual have been taken into custody for allegedly posing as naval officers. The suspects, identified as David Norbert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac, were arrested on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, while allegedly impersonating naval personnel to deceive unsuspecting […]
Ex- maritime student, 1 other arrested for allegedly posing as naval officers
An ex-student of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, and one other individual have been taken into custody for allegedly posing as naval officers.
The suspects, identified as David Norbert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac, were arrested on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, while allegedly impersonating naval personnel to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
At the time of their arrest, David Norbert Aleji was posing as a Navy Lieutenant, while Francis Gideon claimed to be a Midshipman. Both suspects also claimed to be serving onboard the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SAGBAMA.
The duo was apprehended by authorities at NNS VICTORY after an internal investigation exposed their impersonation. They have since been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Nigeria Police Force.
In an official statement, the Navy provided further details on the arrest:
“At the time of arrest, the suspects were dressed in military camouflage and were in possession of fake military identification cards. Preliminary investigation revealed that Mr. David Norbert was parading himself as a Nigerian Navy Lieutenant, while Mr. Francis Gideon was impersonating a Midshipman.
“Both claimed to be personnel serving onboard NNS SAGBAMA. A subsequent search of their residence led to the recovery of additional military-related items, including a jungle hat and a pair of boots.
“Investigation also revealed that Mr. David Norbert was the mastermind. He had previously received some level of training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. He reportedly recruited Mr. Francis Gideon, who resides with him at the home of David Aleji, the mastermind’s father.
“The suspects further admitted that the camouflage vest, jungle hat, and boots were purchased, while the identity cards were produced by them. The suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force State Criminal Investigation Department in line with extant procedures for further investigation and possible prosecution.”