FROM RABILU ABUBAKAR, GOMBE
Gombe State Police Command has arrested a 52-year-old man, Vincent Ojo for impersonating a police officer and being in possession of 495 kilograms of suspected Indian hemp valued at ₦12.6 million.
According to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, Ojo was intercepted by officers of Operation Hattara during a routine patrol at Jeka da Fari, Gombe, on February 22.
The suspect, driving a black Lexus vehicle with registration number, GWA79CN Abuja, claimed to be a police officer attached to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
However, he could not provide any form of identification such as a staff ID, rank or departmental affiliation, when questioned by the officers.
A thorough search of his vehicle revealed 495 kilograms of suspected Indian hemp concealed inside, along with an additional license plate, BWR290AX, hidden in the car.
The street value of the seized substance was estimated at N12,652,000.
During interrogation, Ojo admitted to transporting the illegal cargo from Ajegunle village in Elesha Local Government Area of Osun State. His intended destination was Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, with a stopover planned in Plateau State.
The police command has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be prosecuted as soon as it is concluded.
The commissioner of police urged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, emphasising the importance of community support in maintaining security.
