The Akwa Ibom police command has arrested a man suspected of impersonating a police inspector during a routine checkpoint operation in Uyo. The arrest happened on Sunday at about 2:30 p.m. when officers stopped him riding a motorcycle without a registration plate along Atiku Abubakar Way.
During questioning, the suspect claimed to be an inspector based in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area and presented what he said was a police warrant card bearing the name Inspector Daniel. Officers grew suspicious after probing his responses and background.
A search uncovered a second identity card issued by the Nigerian Correctional Service, deepening their doubts about his authenticity. The discovery prompted detectives to obtain a warrant and visit his home in Ikot Ekpene.
Police said the search of his residence yielded multiple security-related items. They recovered police berets, buttons, insignia, and inspector rank badges alongside patrol mobilisation force uniforms.
Other items seized included military camouflage clothing, a lawyer's wig, two pairs of desert boots and various other restricted accoutrements. "The search resulted in the recovery of several items," the police public relations officer, DSP Timfon John, told reporters in a statement on Tuesday.
John said investigators are now interrogating the suspect to establish where he obtained the uniforms and security materials. Police are also trying to determine whether he had accomplices in the scheme.
The PPRO issued a stern warning to the public against buying, keeping or wearing security uniforms, identity cards or insignia without authorisation. She said such conduct amounts to serious criminal offences under Nigerian law.
"Citizens are encouraged to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, activities, or anyone falsely presenting themselves as security personnel to the nearest police station," John said. She urged Nigerians to be vigilant and help law enforcement tackle fraud and impersonation in their communities.
