A Magistrate Court sitting in Lagos has remanded two suspects in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town for alleged impersonation as members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The defendants, Dennis Embeleakpo, 39, and Bitrus Lucky, 30, were ordered remanded by Magistrate Mr. L. A. Owolabi pending when they will perfect their bail conditions.
The suspects were arraigned by the Lagos State Police Command on a two-count charge bordering on unlawful possession of military camouflage and military identity card.
The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, told the court that the defendants committed the offences at Ikorodu area of Lagos.
According to the charge, the first defendant, Dennis Embeleakpo, and others still at large, on the 2nd day of August, 2026 at about 2pm at Ikorodu area of Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District, allegedly wore military camouflage uniform with intent that he may be taken as a member of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Police said the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 77(a)(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In the second count, the prosecutor alleged that the second defendant, Bitrus Lucky, on the 4th day of August, 2026, at about 9am at the same Ikorodu area, had in his possession a military identity card with intent that he may be taken as a member of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
SP Ihkayere told the court that the offence is also contrary to and punishable under Section 77(a)(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
When the charge was read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty
and the court considered the bail application made by their counsel.
Magistrate Owolabi granted bail to the defendants with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The Magistrate ordered that the defendants should be remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town pending when they will perfect their bail conditions.
The case was investigated by Inspector Tawose Sunday of the Command Tactical Squad 1, State Headquarters, Ikeja, led by SP Banti Adamu, following a complaint by Sgt. Macham Obed.
The Police said the arrest of the defendants was part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Police Command to rid the state of persons who impersonate security agencies to commit offences.
The Command had repeatedly warned members of the public against unlawful possession of Military and Police uniforms and identity cards, noting that such acts pose serious security threat.
The Lagos State Police Command restated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the state and urged residents to continue to provide credible information that will assist the Police in fighting crime.
The case has been adjourned for further mention pending when the defendants will meet their bail conditions.