In a bold crackdown on impersonation and interference with government enforcement, the Lagos State Taskforce has arrested three suspects posing as Nigerian Navy officers during an ongoing demolition exercise in Oworonshoki, Lagos.
The principal suspect, James K. Robert, who paraded himself as a Navy Captain, was apprehended alongside his wife and an alleged orderly on Thursday, January 16, 2026. The trio allegedly used fake military uniforms and identities to intimidate residents, obstruct lawful operations, and attempt to shield illegal structures and a car lot from demolition.
According to CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, the suspects had been under close surveillance following repeated complaints from the public and confrontations with enforcement officers. Robert reportedly visited the Taskforce office earlier, demanding the release of vehicles removed from the demolition site, claiming ownership of the affected car lot.
"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 stated. When his request was firmly rejected in line with professional standards and public service rules, the fake captain reportedly turned hostile, threatening confrontation between his supposed "men" and Taskforce operatives.
Suspicion grew during interrogation when glaring inconsistencies emerged: improperly worn service ribbons, missing regimental insignia, and an overall appearance inconsistent with a senior naval officer. The Taskforce promptly contacted the Nigerian Navy's Naval Police Unit, which confirmed Robert was not a serving officer. Officers from the Navy Military Police swiftly arrived at the scene and took the suspects into custody for further investigation.
The arrests occurred amid the demolition of illegal shanties and encroachments on government land in Oworonshoki. Statutory notices and repeated warnings had previously been issued to Robert to vacate the property, but he allegedly ignored them.
In a revealing moment, the suspect's wife reportedly admitted she had warned her husband multiple times against the impersonation, famously stating: “Several days are for the thief, but one day is for the owner.”
CSP Akerele emphasized the zero-tolerance stance: "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."
The suspects now face prosecution by the appropriate military authorities. This high-profile arrest serves as a strong warning against impersonating security personnel to defraud residents or disrupt official government activities in Lagos.
The incident highlights the Taskforce's commitment to maintaining order, protecting public land, and safeguarding citizens from fraudsters masquerading as uniformed officers in the state. Stay alert and report any suspicious impersonators immediately.
The principal suspect, James K. Robert, who paraded himself as a Navy Captain, was apprehended alongside his wife and an alleged orderly on Thursday, January 16, 2026. The trio allegedly used fake military uniforms and identities to intimidate residents, obstruct lawful operations, and attempt to shield illegal structures and a car lot from demolition.
According to CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, the suspects had been under close surveillance following repeated complaints from the public and confrontations with enforcement officers. Robert reportedly visited the Taskforce office earlier, demanding the release of vehicles removed from the demolition site, claiming ownership of the affected car lot.
"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 stated. When his request was firmly rejected in line with professional standards and public service rules, the fake captain reportedly turned hostile, threatening confrontation between his supposed "men" and Taskforce operatives.
Suspicion grew during interrogation when glaring inconsistencies emerged: improperly worn service ribbons, missing regimental insignia, and an overall appearance inconsistent with a senior naval officer. The Taskforce promptly contacted the Nigerian Navy's Naval Police Unit, which confirmed Robert was not a serving officer. Officers from the Navy Military Police swiftly arrived at the scene and took the suspects into custody for further investigation.
The arrests occurred amid the demolition of illegal shanties and encroachments on government land in Oworonshoki. Statutory notices and repeated warnings had previously been issued to Robert to vacate the property, but he allegedly ignored them.
In a revealing moment, the suspect's wife reportedly admitted she had warned her husband multiple times against the impersonation, famously stating: “Several days are for the thief, but one day is for the owner.”
CSP Akerele emphasized the zero-tolerance stance: "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."
The suspects now face prosecution by the appropriate military authorities. This high-profile arrest serves as a strong warning against impersonating security personnel to defraud residents or disrupt official government activities in Lagos.
The incident highlights the Taskforce's commitment to maintaining order, protecting public land, and safeguarding citizens from fraudsters masquerading as uniformed officers in the state. Stay alert and report any suspicious impersonators immediately.
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