Police Arrest Suspected Impersonator in Akwa Ibom, Recover Uniforms and Insignia
A man has been arrested in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly impersonating a police inspector. Authorities recovered police uniforms, rank badges, insignia, and a lawyer's wig during the operation.
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Nigerian police in Uyo have arrested a man suspected of impersonating a police inspector during a routine stop-and-search operation, according to Vanguard News and Premium Times Nigeria.
The suspect was apprehended following a routine security check, after which officers searched his residence and recovered multiple items linked to security agencies. These included police berets, buttons, insignia, inspector rank badges, and Police Mobile Force (PMF) uniforms, Vanguard News reported.
Premium Times added that the search also yielded identity cards and a lawyer's wig, though no further details were provided about the documents or the suspect's possible affiliations. The man allegedly posed as a police inspector, a claim under investigation.
No official statement has been released by the Nigeria Police Force regarding the charges or the suspect’s identity. However, impersonation of a police officer is a criminal offense under Nigeria’s penal code and can lead to prosecution.
The arrest highlights ongoing concerns about identity fraud and the unauthorized use of official uniforms in the country. Police have not disclosed whether the suspect acted alone or if others are being sought.