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Lagos Taskforce arrests fake naval captain, two others over Oworonshoki demolition

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Lagos State Taskforce has apprehended three suspected impersonators accused of posing as officers of the Nigerian Navy, including a man identified as James K. Robert, who allegedly claimed the rank of Captain, in connection with the demolition of illegal shanties and encroachments on government land in Oworonshoki, Lagos.

The Chairman of the Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this on Thursday at the agency’s Oshodi–Bolade office.

He said the suspects had been falsely presenting themselves as naval personnel to defraud residents and interfere with lawful government activities.

Akerele explained that the arrests followed the suspects’ involvement during the demolition exercise at Oworonshoki, where they allegedly deployed fake military identities to intimidate residents, obstruct enforcement efforts and gain undue advantage.

According to him, the principal suspect, Robert, whose name appeared both on his uniform name tag and in the Taskforce visitor’s register, had earlier visited the office to demand the release of vehicles removed from the demolition site by enforcement officers.

He noted that this was despite the fact that statutory notices and repeated warnings had earlier been issued to Robert to vacate the affected property before the 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 rejected in line with professional standards and public service rules, the suspect allegedly became hostile and threatened a confrontation between his supposed men and Taskforce operatives.

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Akerele said further doubts were raised after he subjected the suspect to a detailed interview and requested information about his military posting and command.

He explained that several inconsistencies were observed, including improperly worn service ribbons, missing regimental insignia and an overall appearance inconsistent with that of a senior naval officer.

He said the Taskforce immediately contacted the Naval Police Unit of the Nigerian Navy, which confirmed that the individual was not a serving officer, leading to the arrest of the suspect and his accomplices.

The Taskforce chairman disclosed that the suspects had already been under surveillance following repeated confrontations with officers during field operations, as well as complaints from members of the public about a man allegedly posing as a Navy Captain to intimidate and extort residents.

Akerele also revealed that the suspect’s wife reportedly admitted she had warned her husband on several occasions to stop impersonating military personnel, remarking that “several days are for the thief, but one day is for the owner.”

He added that his suspicions deepened when the alleged orderly and other accomplices discreetly withdrew from the scene shortly before the arrest.

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

He assured the public that the suspects would be prosecuted by the appropriate military authorities, stressing that the arrest would serve as a strong warning to others who impersonate security personnel to commit crimes and undermine the integrity of the Police and Armed Forces.

See also  Police arrest man for defiling 13-year-old girl in Ondo

“I urge members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to report suspicious activities through our official feedback channels for prompt action. No criminal will be allowed to find safe haven in Lagos State,” he added.

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Crime

Sexual assault: Lagos hands over TikToker’s case to Ogun command

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The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has confirmed that the sexual assault case involving TikTok user Mirabel (@mirab351), who claimed she was raped in her apartment by a stranger, has been referred to authorities in Ogun State.

In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said it had successfully contacted a close friend of the survivor, who confirmed she had been discharged from the hospital.

The case had sparked widespread concern online, trending under the hashtag #StopRapingWomen on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands calling for urgent action against sexual assault and greater protection for survivors.

“Following our earlier statement and the widespread public response, we successfully established communication with a close friend of the survivor who confirmed that she had been discharged from the hospital.

“We sincerely appreciate members of the public who provided helpful information via our direct messages, as well as everyone who tagged the Agency to ensure swift intervention,” the agency said.

The alleged assault reportedly occurred on Sunday, February 15, with the survivor posting about the incident on Monday.

The DSVA clarified that the incident took place in Ogun State, outside its jurisdiction.

“We have since confirmed that the incident occurred in Ogun State and is therefore outside the jurisdiction of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.

“In the spirit of interagency collaboration and survivor protection, all relevant information at our disposal has been forwarded to the appropriate authorities in Ogun State.”

The agency expressed confidence that the Ogun State Police Command is handling the matter and that the survivor would cooperate with authorities for a thorough investigation.

See also  PHOTOS: Police arrest three girls who ass@ulted and str!pped Bayelsa varsity student in viral video

“We understand that the Ogun State Police Command is currently handling the matter, and we trust that the survivor will fully cooperate with the appropriate authorities to enable a thorough investigation and due process,” the statement said.

DSVA also reiterated its commitment to support survivors and maintain accessible channels for reporting sexual violence.

The agency provided multiple contacts for assistance, including a direct line (0813-796-0048), toll-free number (0-8000-333-333), MTN USSD code (*6820#), and WhatsApp AI Chatbox (0812-893-7058).

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EFCC arraigns Abuja couple over N740m fraud

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned an Abuja-based couple, Osabohein Ologbose and his wife, Hope Oghelemu, before Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court Abuja over an alleged N740m fraud.

The couple, alongside two companies—Onome Global Market Resources Limited and Lexicon Multi-Concept Media Limited—faced seven counts of obtaining by false pretence, conversion of funds, and money laundering, contrary to Section 18(2)(b) and punishable under Section 18(4) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

According to the EFCC, the charges allege that between January 2023 and April 2024, Ologbose took possession of N340m paid into his Kuda Microfinance Bank account from an Access Bank account belonging to his wife, “when he reasonably ought to have known that the sum formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act.”

Another count alleged that he used N24.1m from the same source to establish a music and photo studio at Crowther Plaza, Gudu District, Abuja, “when he knew or ought reasonably to have known that the said sum formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act.”

The EFCC further claimed that the couple induced unsuspecting investors to part with money for the purported procurement and export of bitter kola and red kolanut to Hong Kong, China, and Indonesia, promising attractive returns. Investigations revealed that investors neither received their returns nor had their initial investments refunded.

At the arraignment, defence counsel Marshal Abubakar requested that the first defendant continue enjoying the administrative bail previously granted and sought bail for the third defendant, citing that she was nursing a one-year-old baby.

See also  Imo police dismantle criminal gangs, arrest 25 suspects, and recover arms, ammunition

Justice Akpan allowed Ologbose to remain on administrative bail but denied bail to Oghelemu, remanding her at the Suleja Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned until April 27, 2026, for a definite hearing.

The EFCC described the arraignment as part of its ongoing effort to hold accountable individuals and entities involved in large-scale financial fraud in Nigeria.

This case follows other high-profile fraud investigations, including the recent arrest of a Lagos-based couple allegedly involved in faking a kidnapping to extort N10m from relatives and friends.

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Arrest made after two die on Lagos film set

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the deaths of two Nollywood production crew members found lifeless inside a parked vehicle at a movie location in Lekki, Lagos.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, told PUNCH Metro on Monday that the suspect was a member of the production team who allegedly delivered food to the deceased before they were discovered unresponsive.

“One suspect has been arrested. The suspect was the one who delivered food to the victims in the vehicle. Investigation is still ongoing,” she said.

PUNCH Metro had earlier reported that the victims — lighting director Ekemini “GeeTee” Imeh and his associate, Ayodeji Walter Odediran — were found dead on Saturday, February 7, within the premises of Evercare Hospital Lekki, which was being used as a filming location.

According to a police source, the two crew members arrived early at the set to install lighting equipment ahead of shooting. After completing the setup, they reportedly entered a tinted Nissan vehicle parked within the premises to rest while awaiting further production activities for a film said to be directed by former Big Brother Naija housemate, Boma.

“At about 11am, a production staff member delivered breakfast to them inside the vehicle. The air-conditioning was on, and both men appeared relaxed at the time. Subsequent calls to their phones went unanswered. After filming wrapped up around 8pm, they were found lifeless in the vehicle,” the source said.

The source added that both men were reportedly foaming at the mouth, with one showing blood stains around the nose and lips.

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Another police source disclosed that the matter was initially reported at the Maroko Police Station, while CCTV footage from the premises is being reviewed as part of ongoing investigations.

“The bodies have been deposited in a morgue for autopsy and toxicology examinations,” the source added.

Adebisi confirmed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further probe, noting that investigators are working to determine the exact cause of death.

Until his death, Imeh was the Chief Executive Officer of a lighting company and was known for his work on major productions, including King of Boys, as well as music videos for artistes such as Davido.

The incident comes days after gospel artiste Matthew Ogundele, popularly known as Segun Praise, and three of his crew members were found dead inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State.

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