The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested three suspected fake naval officers, including a man posing as a captain, identified as James K. Robert, in connection with activities linked to the demolition of illegal shanties and encroachments on government land at Oworonshoki, Lagos.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this on Thursday at the agency’s Oshodi–Bolade office, stating that the suspects had been unlawfully presenting themselves as officers of the Nigerian Navy to defraud members of the public and obstruct lawful government operations.
According to Akerele, the suspects were apprehended following their involvement in activities surrounding the demolition exercise at Oworonshoki, where they allegedly used fake military identities to intimidate residents, evade enforcement actions, and secure undue advantages.
He explained that the principal suspect, James K. Robert, whose name appeared on his uniform name tag and in the Taskforce visitors’ register, had earlier visited the agency’s office in an attempt to secure the release of vehicles removed from the demolition site by enforcement officers.
Akerele noted that the request was made despite statutory notices and repeated warnings having been issued to Robert, directing him to vacate the property ahead of demolition, which he allegedly ignored.
“The suspect, accompanied by his wife and an alleged orderly, claimed ownership of the car lot at the demolition site and demanded that it be spared in the ‘spirit of esprit de corps,’” Akerele said.
He added that when the request was declined in line with professional ethics and public service regulations, the suspect allegedly became aggressive and threatened a confrontation between his supposed men and Taskforce personnel.
Akerele said the suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
The Taskforce chairman warned members of the public against dealing with individuals impersonating security personnel, stressing that the Lagos State Government maintains zero tolerance for impersonation, intimidation, and obstruction of lawful enforcement operations.