The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the arrest of two dismissed officers, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, for allegedly impersonating the agency and engaging in fraudulent activities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the DSS said the duo, who were previously sacked from the Service, had been “cloaking under the Service to engage in fraudulent activities.”
The statement read:
“Recall that the Department of State Services (DSS) 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.”
According to the agency, the suspects have been apprehended and will face prosecution.
“The public is hereby notified that these culprits have been apprehended and will face prosecution in accordance with the law,” the DSS stated.
The Service also disclosed plans to publish the names of other dismissed personnel to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from falling victim to similar scams.
“The Service has further resolved to publish the names of other personnel who were dismissed in the past, to prevent citizens from falling victim to possible criminal intent of any of these individuals,” the statement added.
Earlier, the DSS had issued public disclaimers warning against both dismissed officers.
On October 9, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that the DSS cautioned Nigerians against dealing with Barry Donald, who was allegedly using the agency’s name to defraud people.
Similarly, on October 13, 2025, the DSS warned the public about Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, another dismissed staff member accused of deceitfully using the Service’s identity to scam unsuspecting Nigerians.
The DSS urged citizens to remain vigilant and verify any claims of affiliation with the agency before engaging in transactions or correspondence.