Police operatives in Lagos State have apprehended a dismissed corporal who had allegedly been impersonating as a serving inspector in the Nigerian Police Force. The suspect, a 35-year-old resident of Sango Ota in Ogun State, was arrested on June 4 at the Gaskiya College Road Junction in Ijora-Badiya. The police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.
According to Hundeyin, the suspect was riding an unregistered motorcycle when he was intercepted by a police stop-and-search team. Upon interrogation, he claimed to be a police inspector and presented a police identification card that featured his name, photograph, and rank. Sensing something amiss, the officers decided to conduct a search of the suspect’s home in Sango Ota, which took place on June 8.
During the search, the police discovered various incriminating items, including a pair of uniform with the rank of sergeant, an operational jacket with the inscription ‘SARS LAS SCORPION’, a pair of camouflage with the rank of inspector, and a jacket bearing the words ‘Special Forces’. Other items recovered included a police belt, a pair of police boots, a camouflage tee-shirt, a police beret with a crest, and an unsewn blue uniform.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect had been using these uniforms since his dismissal from the police force in 2017. It was also discovered that he would change his rank to match that of his serving recruit mates whenever they received promotions.
Once the investigation is complete, the suspect will be arraigned in court to face charges related to impersonation and illegal possession of police uniforms. This case serves as a reminder of the vigilance required in preventing individuals from exploiting the trust and authority associated with the police uniform.
