Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 22-year-old man, identified as Onipede Ojo, for allegedly stealing a police officer’s bag containing official and personal items before using them to impersonate a serving police officer.
According to the police, the stolen bag contained a camouflage uniform, a warrant card, a mobile phone, an ATM card and other personal belongings belonging to a police officer. The suspect was later found wearing the police camouflage uniform in an apparent attempt to present himself as a legitimate member of the force.
A video that circulated on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, showed Ojo claiming that he found the uniform along Maryland Road in Lagos. The camouflage uniform reportedly bore the name tag of an inspector identified as Jimoh Weheed.
However, the Lagos State Police Command stated that vigilant members of the public became suspicious after observing that the suspect’s conduct and mannerisms did not align with those expected of a trained police officer.
Their suspicions led to further questioning, during which it became apparent that Ojo was allegedly posing as a police officer without any legitimate affiliation to the force.
Following the discovery, residents reportedly apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the police for investigation.
The police confirmed that Ojo is currently in custody while investigations continue. Authorities added that he would be charged in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
The command commended residents for their alertness and sense of civic responsibility, noting that public cooperation remains vital in tackling crime and maintaining security across the state.
At the same time, the police strongly condemned acts of jungle justice and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, regardless of the nature of the offence allegedly committed.
According to the command, the laws of Lagos State do not permit extrajudicial punishment, stressing that suspects should always be handed over to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation and prosecution.
The police further urged residents to remain security-conscious and continue supporting law enforcement efforts by promptly reporting suspicious individuals, movements and activities within their communities.
Authorities reiterated that adherence to due process remains essential in ensuring justice and maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system.
