Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 22-year-old man, Onipede Ojo, for allegedly stealing a bag containing official and personal items belonging to a police officer and then using the materials to impersonate a serving officer.

The command said the stolen items included a police camouflage uniform, warrant card, mobile phone, ATM card and other personal belongings of a police officer.

Police authorities say the suspect donned the stolen camouflage uniform in an attempt to appear as a legitimate officer.

In a video that has been circulating on X, Ojo claimed he discovered the police uniform, which allegedly had the name tag of an inspector known as Jimoh Weheed, on Maryland Road in Lagos.

Police said residents became suspicious after noticing that the suspect’s conduct and appearance did not match that of a genuine police officer.

It was allegedly discovered that he was impersonating a police operative after members of the public questioned him due to the suspicion.

He was then detained and handed over to police for further investigation.

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that the suspect is in their custody and would be charged to court when investigations are completed.

The command also lauded the vigilance and civic responsibility of the residents in assisting in the identification of the suspect.

But police vehemently condemned all forms of jungle justice and warned residents not to take the law into their own hands no matter the offence they allegedly committed.

The command said the laws of Lagos State does not support extrajudicial punishment and urged members of the public to always hand over suspects to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation and prosecution.

The police also urged residents to remain security-conscious and continue to support the security agencies by reporting suspicious persons, activities and movements while due process is allowed to prevail.