CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 22-year-old man, Onipede Ojo, was on Friday arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ikeja for allegedly impersonating a Police officer and performing duty in full Police camouflage uniform.
The defendant was arraigned on a one-count charge of impersonation before Magistrate Mr. L.A. Owolabi in the Ikeja Magisterial District.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the alleged offence occurred on June 22, 2026, at about 12:20pm at Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos.
Prosecutors alleged that Onipede Ojo, on the said date and location, did impersonate himself as a Police officer and dressed in full Police camouflage uniform, which he was not entitled to wear. He was arrested by operatives of Ikeja Division while allegedly performing duty in the area.
The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 380 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The charge sheet listed SP Josephine Ihkayere as the prosecutor, while the Investigating Police Officer was CPL Opeyemi Odeniran of Ikeja Division.
During proceedings, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor urged the court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted him bail with two sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood, tax payment, and verifiable address.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
Impersonation of law enforcement officers is regarded as a serious offence in Lagos State. Section 380 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, provides penalties for anyone who falsely represents himself to be a public officer or wears the uniform of such office without authority.
Legal experts say the law is intended to protect the integrity of security institutions and prevent members of the public from being deceived by impostors. The Lagos State Police Command has in recent times warned residents to be vigilant and to report suspicious persons claiming to be officers, especially those operating in busy areas like Maryland, Ikeja and Ojota.
Security analysts noted that cases of Police impersonation have increased concerns about extortion and illegal arrests. The Police have advised members of the public to always demand proper identification and to verify the identity of any officer through the nearest Police station.
A senior Police source at Ikeja Division, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Command remains committed to clamping down on individuals who parade themselves as security operatives.
He urged residents to report any person in Police uniform behaving in a suspicious manner to the nearest Police formation or through emergency lines.
The defendant was thereafter led out of the courtroom by officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the perfection of bail.