Police probe three naval imposters in Lagos

The Police in Lagos have commenced investigation into the activities of three imposters arrested by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT for fraudulent activities.

The three personnel of a security outfit, Gallantry Intelligence Corps of Nigeria, were arrested by a naval patrol team at Isolo area of Lagos State on September 1 and handed over to the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCIID), Panti, for prosecution.

The suspects dressed in a black beret, a navy blue combat shirt and trousers were identified as Oladele Daniel, 23; Eriwole Ogunlana, 24 and Mubarak Mayegun, 24.

A senior police officer, who confirmed the incident, said after the imposters were handed over to the police by the naval team led by Lieutenant Commander, E. A. Bisong and Lieutenant H. A. Collins, the suspects were taken into custody.

Meanwhile, the Commander, NNS Beecroft, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, said they were arrested after receiving reports of their alleged fraudulent activities.

Oguntuga said the agency was notified of the activities of the men who have been parading the area with posters of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral E. I. Ogalla, alleging that the Navy and the security outfit are collaborating and using the information to swindle the public.

He said: “In a significant development to prevent swindling the general public, the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft patrol team apprehended three impostors within the vicinity of Isolo, Lagos State.

“This operation, conducted on September 1, 2023, was initiated in response to reports of fraudulent individuals featuring the image of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral E. I. Ogalla, in printed posters being circulated.

“The impostors sought to deceive the public into believing there exists a false collaboration between an illegal security outfit, Gallantry Intelligence Corps of Nigeria and the Nigerian Navy.”

The commodore appealed to the public to be mindful of unscrupulous elements, who want to inflict unnecessary hardship by using unpleasant means to lure innocent youths to commit resources for illegitimate employment.

“The Nigerian Navy Under the leadership of Vice Admiral E. I. Ogalla, reaffirms its commitment to thwarting all forms of illegality and remains resolute in providing conducive employment for law abiding citizens to go about their business as well as ensuring safety and security of the public, which is essential for the economic prosperity of our nation.

“The Navy also urges citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, as this is crucial in preserving the integrity of our defence forces and safeguarding the public from potential scams and fraudulent activities,” he added.