Police arrest fake inspector, recover uniforms in Akwa Ibom

Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a man identified as Precious Joseph for allegedly impersonating a police inspector. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command announced the arrest, stating that Joseph, from Nembe Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, was apprehended on Sunday, July 5, 2026, along Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo.

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On Sunday, 5th July 2026, at about 2:30 p.m., operatives of the Command, while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along Atiku Abubakar Way, Uyo, intercepted a motorcyclist riding a Top Way motorcycle without a registration number.

During a routine stop-and-search, officers intercepted a motorcyclist riding a motorcycle without a license plate. The rider identified himself as a police inspector and presented a warrant card belonging to another officer. His suspicious behavior prompted a more thorough search, which uncovered an official identity card from the Nigerian Correctional Service, further fueling suspicions of fraud.

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Upon request to establish his identity, the suspect produced a Police Warrant Card bearing one Inspector Daniel. His conduct and responses, however, raised reasonable suspicion among the operatives, prompting a more thorough search.

Following his arrest, Joseph reportedly led police to his residence in Ikot Ekpene, where a search yielded a significant cache of items. These included a police beret, rank badges, PMF uniforms, a military camouflage sweater, a lawyer's wig, desert boots, and other security-related gear. Authorities believe these items were used in his impersonation activities.

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The search led to the recovery of another official identity card belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service, further strengthening the suspicion that the suspect was fraudulently parading himself as a security personnel.

The suspect is currently in custody as investigators work to uncover the full scope of his operations, identify any potential accomplices, and determine if he is linked to other criminal offenses. The state's Commissioner of Police assured residents of the command's commitment to maintaining security.

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The suspect is currently in Police custody and is undergoing intensive interrogation as investigators work to determine the source of the recovered items, establish the full extent of his activities, identify possible accomplices, and ascertain whether he is linked to other criminal offences within or outside the state.