A dismissed police officer, Olabode Momoh, has been arrested and charged for impersonation after allegedly promoting himself to the rank of Inspector and resuming duty at the Ejigbo Division of the Lagos State Command.
Momoh, dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force in 2005 for undisclosed reasons, allegedly procured fake transfer documents, presented them to the Ejigbo Division, and began performing duties as a genuine officer. His cover was blown when information surfaced that he had long been dismissed, leading to his arrest and transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba.
During interrogation, Momoh reportedly admitted that he was dismissed but confessed to continuing police duties across different divisions in Lagos. He was subsequently charged before the Yaba Magistrate Court under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, on two counts of impersonation.
The charges allege that he falsely presented himself as an Inspector of Police with AP No. 241088 attached to Ejigbo Division, despite his dismissal in 2005. The offence carries a penalty of several years’ imprisonment if convicted.
Momoh pleaded not guilty. Prosecutor CSP Charles Akinrosoye requested a hearing date to enable the police to prove the charges.
Presiding Magistrate Mrs. A.O. Alaka granted him bail with two sureties who must show evidence of livelihood and tax payment, while their addresses will be verified by the court. The defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
The case was adjourned for mention.