Police arrest two dismissed officers for alleged impersonation, extortion

Two dismissed officers of the Nigeria Police Force have been arrested by operatives attached to the X-Squad Department of the Zone2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, for impersonation and using police uniform to extort money from innocent Nigerians across the state.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Muyiwa Adejobi, a superintendent, the arrest was in line with moves by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, Abdilmajid Ali, to sanitise police activities in the command and ensure the image of the force is protected.

In a statement made available to The Guardian, Adejobi said based on the AIG’s directive, operatives, who were on routine patrol within Lagos State, led by Akinyide Alabi, a superintendent, arrested the culprits.

Joseph Okoya was arrested at Abule Ado, along Badagry expressway, while driving a commercial bus with registration number XC 755 LSR in police uniform on Saturday. He confessed to have been dismissed from the force since 2010.

“Also, the same team arrested one Yohanna Bitrus, 35, on Sunday, at the Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, putting on a Mobile Police uniform, while performing illegal police duties. Police investigation revealed that he was dismissed in 2015.

“Items recovered from them included police uniforms, police ID cards, piles of petitions and statement forms, letter heads, and some other incriminating documents.

“The suspects, who have confessed to using police uniform to perpetrate many illegal acts, have been charged to Igbosere Magistrates’ Court Lagos yesterday for impersonation and unlawful possession of police property,” he said.