Suspected Fake Naval Officer Arrested in Lagos Over Impersonation

The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested three suspects for allegedly impersonating officers of the Nigerian Navy, an act authorities say was used to defraud members of the public and obstruct lawful government operations. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the agency’s spokesperson, Raheem Gbadeyan, who said the suspects were apprehended following an incident linked to the demolition of illegal shanties and encroachments on government land in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos.

According to the statement, the principal suspect, identified as James K. Robert, allegedly posed as a senior naval officer to intimidate residents, evade enforcement actions, and secure undue privileges.

Gbadeyan said the suspects were arrested at the Taskforce office while attempting to secure the release of vehicles earlier removed from the demolition site by the enforcement agency.

“The principal suspect, identified as James K. Robert, based on the name tag on his uniform and the visitor’s register he filled at the chairman’s office, had visited the office seeking the release of vehicles removed from the demolition site,” the statement read.

The agency added that the suspect had ignored several statutory notices and repeated warnings to vacate the property ahead of the demolition exercise.

According to the Taskforce, Robert, who was accompanied by his wife and an alleged orderly, claimed ownership of a car lot at the affected site and appealed for special consideration, citing “esprit de corps.”

When the chairman of the Taskforce, Adetayo Akerele, declined to compromise official procedures, the suspect reportedly became aggressive and allegedly threatened confrontation between his supposed men and Taskforce operatives.

Further suspicion arose during a detailed interview conducted by Akerele, during which the suspect was unable to provide credible information about his military posting or command.

“Closer observation revealed several inconsistencies, including improperly worn service ribbons, missing regimental insignia, and an appearance inconsistent with that of a senior naval officer,” the statement added.

Following these red flags, the Taskforce chairman reportedly contacted the Nigerian Navy Military Police, who confirmed that the suspect was not a serving naval officer.

This confirmation led to the immediate arrest of the suspect and his accomplices.

The Taskforce also disclosed that the suspect’s wife admitted she had previously warned her husband against impersonating military personnel, cautioning that “several days are for the thief, but one day is for the owner.”

Akerele further revealed that the alleged orderly and other accomplices attempted to withdraw from the scene shortly before the arrest, further strengthening suspicions.

“Before the suspects could fully comprehend what was happening, officers of the Nigerian Navy Military Police were already on the ground and took them into custody. They are currently undergoing further investigation,” the chairman said.

Authorities have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that anyone found guilty will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.