Police arrest man who allegedly posed as prison warden and conned Moroto businessman

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Police in Soroti City have arrested a suspected conman accused of defrauding a Moroto-based businessman of eight million shillings (sh8m) in a well-orchestrated scam.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Samson Epodoi, a resident of Acapa village in Mukongoro sub-county in Kumi district, allegedly posed as a prison warden attached to Soroti Prisons in Nakatunya to lure his victim, Richard Ocen.

According to police, Epodoi contacted Ocen, a produce dealer in Moroto, last week, claiming he had over 120 bags of cassava flour for sale. He convinced Ocen to travel to Soroti to complete the transaction.

Ocen told police that Epodoi and an accomplice, who also claimed to be a prisons officer in charge at Nakatunya, repeatedly called him, assuring him of the deal. Epodoi even claimed he had previously worked in Moroto and knew Ocen.

On Tuesday (March 17) at about 1pm, Ocen travelled to Soroti and headed towards Nakatunya Prison. Before reaching the facility, he met Epodoi, who was waiting for him.

Ocen recounted that moments later, another man emerged from the direction of the prison, claiming he had been sent by the officer in charge to register their details for clearance.

“He asked us to hand over the money so he could issue a receipt and clearance form. We remained with Epodoi as he left with the cash,” Ocen said.

It was later discovered that the two men had disappeared with the money.

'I have been unlucky'

Police say Epodoi has since been charged with two counts of theft and impersonation and is currently detained at Nakatunya Police Station.

During interrogation, Epodoi reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting that he has been involved in similar fraudulent activities since 2015.

“I travelled from Kampala for this mission, but I have been unlucky. I ask for a chance to contact my friends to return the money to Ocen,” Epodoi told police.

Investigations further reveal that Epodoi previously lived in Kichinjaji in Soroti City, where he operated as a self-proclaimed pastor at God of Elijah Church, before relocating to Kampala, where he has been staying in different guest houses.

The LC1 chairperson of Aliabu Cell in Kichinjaji, Betty Aguti, confirmed that Epodoi left the area about three years ago and was widely known as a pastor and prophet.

“At one time, he even invited me to pray at his church, but he later disappeared. Recently, I saw him at a mobile money agent, but his appearance raised suspicion,” she said.

Kyoga East Regional CID Officer Noah Olagai said the suspect will remain in custody as investigations continue, adding that police are pursuing Epodoi’s accomplices.

“We are interested in dismantling his network. Once we arrest his associates, they will all be prosecuted. It is unfortunate that able-bodied individuals choose to defraud hardworking people."

A case, reference number 63/17/03/2026, has been registered against Epodoi at Soroti West Division Police Station.