LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Police Command on Monday, September 11, 2023, paraded 13 suspects accused of a myriad of crimes ranging from impersonation and armed robbery to unlawful possession of substances and rape.
The command recovered an assortment of evidence, including four firearms, two live cartridges, an expended cartridge, 11 live ammunition, one vehicle, two wristwatches, and six phones.
Several hard drugs, a police warrant card, a walkie-talkie, a police camouflage cap, and a singlet were also recovered from the suspects.
Police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrests during a briefing at the Command Headquarters.
He outlined several striking cases contributing to recent public safety concerns in Lagos.
“One notable arrest involved Emmanuel Nwagu, who impersonated the Commissioner of Police during a visit to a police formation in Ikorodu,” Hundeyin said.
“He was initially regarded as such, but upon questioning, it was discovered he was an impersonator. A search at his residence led to the recovery of a Deputy Commissioner of Police warrant card and other police paraphernalia.”
In another case brought to light by the Nigeria Bar Association in Epe, Lagos, Ibrahim Bello was arrested for impersonating a lawyer.
“Bello had been masquerading as a legal professional for years,” Hundeyin added.
“He was even caught with a portrait that read, ‘Bello Law Firm Office, Obas & Chiefs of Lagos State Law Tenancy Law 2015, Due Process of Law and Law of Trespass of Land and Nuisance.'”
The police also arrested Ganiyat Oni, a female suspect, for possessing hard drugs.
According to Hundeyin, she was found with 97 wraps of colos, 22 wraps of loud, a mixture of loud and Arizona, and a sum of N271,600 believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
“Operatives also apprehended armed robbers in possession of two locally made pistols, wristwatches, phones, and a sum of N482,000,” Hundeyin stated.
“Another suspect, John Eze, was arrested for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old neighbor’s daughter in Lekki Phase 1.”
The police command’s recent operations signify a concerted effort to mitigate criminal activities in Lagos State.
With ongoing investigations and a vow for stern action, the law enforcement agency aims to reinforce public confidence in the system.
As Lagosians await further updates on these cases, it’s evident that the Lagos State Police Command is intensifying its efforts to combat crime, ensuring a safer environment for all residents.
