By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a man suspected of impersonating a police inspector during a routine stop-and-search operation in Uyo.In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the command identified the suspect as Precious Joseph, who told officers he is from Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to the police, Joseph was intercepted while riding an unregistered motorcycle against traffic along Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo. Officers said he identified himself as a police inspector and presented a police warrant card bearing the name “Inspector Daniel. “The command said the suspect’s conduct raised suspicion, prompting a search that reportedly uncovered an identity card belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Police added that a subsequent search of the suspect’s residence at Ikot Ekpene, conducted under a search warrant, led to the recovery of items including a police beret, rank badges, police buttons and insignia, Police Mobile Force uniforms, a military camouflage sweater, a lawyer’s wig, two pairs of desert boots and other security-related items.
The suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue to determine the origin of the recovered items, identify possible accomplices and establish whether he is connected to other offences.
The Commissioner of Police urged residents to report anyone suspected of falsely presenting themselves as security personnel and warned that the unlawful possession or use of security uniforms, identity cards and official insignia is a criminal offence.
