Dismissed Soldier Arraigned In Lagos Over Alleged Motorcycle Theft & Impersonation

According to the charge filed by the Commissioner of Police, the alleged offences occurred in March 2026 at about 12:00pm at No. 1 Nouge Crescent, Gana Area, Igando, within the Lagos Magisterial District.

The prosecution alleged in Count 1 that the defendant and others now at large conspired among themselves to commit a felony, to wit, stealing. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In Count 2, the charge sheet stated that the defendant and others now at large allegedly stole one Bajaj motorcycle, red in colour, with registration number AYE 147VM. The motorcycle was valued at ₦1,300,000 and was said to be the property of one Henry Anueansebhor. The offence is punishable under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Count 3 of the charge alleged that the defendant, Tajudeen Umaru, with military number 05/NA/26/1356, who was discharged from the military since 2025, presented himself to members of the public as a serving soldier.

The prosecution further alleged that by so doing, the defendant was involved in extorting money from residents and causing panic within Fatoki, Egan area of Igando.

It was alleged that the defendant carried out the act knowing fully that he was no longer in service, by making arrests while putting on military uniform. The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 77 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 77 of the Lagos State Criminal Law deals with impersonation and conduct likely to cause breach of peace or public alarm. Legal experts note that impersonating security personnel is treated seriously by the courts.

The prosecution of the matter is being handled by ASP Simeon Njue, while ACP Abaniwonda Tokunbo, PSC, signed the charge sheet. The Investigating Police Officer listed was Inspector Equere Matilda.

When the matter came up, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, ASP Njue, asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.

The presiding Magistrate, F.R. Ogunkoyede, granted him bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.

The matter was adjourned for further hearing while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre in Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.

Under Nigerian law, every person accused of an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The court will consider evidence from both sides before making any findings in the case.