Aniefiok Christopher
A motorcyclist’s attempt to outsmart police officers at a stop-and-search checkpoint in Uyo, Akwa Ibom ended on a sad note as he was allegedly exposed, arrested and detained as a suspected impersonator.
The rider known as Precious Joseph from Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State residing in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, initially introduced himself as an Inspector of Police.
Upon enquiry, police saw the suspect producing a Police Warrant Card bearing one Inspector Daniel, forcing the police officers to escort him to his residence to recover more suspicious items.
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A press release by DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer for the state Commissioner of Police on Tuesday, said ‘‘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.
‘‘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.
‘‘In a follow-up operation, detectives proceeded with the suspect to his residence in Ikot Ekpene, where a search warrant was executed. The search resulted in the recovery of several items.’’
The items, according to the release, are Police beret; Police buttons and insignia; inspector rank badges; PMF uniforms; Military camouflage sweater; Lawyer’s wig; two pairs of desert boots; and other security-related accoutrements suspected to have been used in furtherance of impersonation and other unlawful activities.
The suspect is said to be 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.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, reassures residents that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to identifying and dismantling criminal networks, particularly individuals who exploit the identities of security agencies to perpetrate crimes, deceive unsuspecting members of the public, or bring the image of the nation’s security institutions into disrepute.
The Command warns members of the public against purchasing, possessing, or unlawfully wearing security uniforms, insignia, identity cards, or other restricted accoutrements. Such acts constitute serious criminal offences and will attract the full weight of the law.
Citizens are encouraged to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, activities, or anyone falsely presenting themselves as security personnel to the nearest Police Station. Public cooperation remains indispensable in the collective fight against crime and in ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Akwa Ibom State.
