UYO – The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected impersonator who allegedly posed as a Police Inspector found in possession of various security-related items.
The suspect, identified as Precious Joseph, an indigene of Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State residing in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was arrested on July 5, 2026, during a routine stop-and-search operation along Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo.
Police operatives intercepted Joseph while he was riding a Top Way motorcycle without a registration number. During questioning, he allegedly introduced himself as a Police Inspector and presented a Police Warrant Card bearing the name Inspector Daniel.
According to the Command, the suspect’s responses and conduct aroused suspicion, prompting officers to carry out a more detailed search.
The search reportedly led to the discovery of an identity card belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service, raising further concerns that he was unlawfully impersonating security personnel.
Acting on the findings, detectives accompanied the suspect to his residence in Ikot Ekpene, where a search warrant was executed.
The operation resulted in the recovery of several items, including a police beret, police buttons and insignia, inspector rank badges, Police Mobile Force uniforms, a military camouflage sweater, a lawyer’s wig, two pairs of desert boots, and other security accoutrements suspected to have been used for unlawful activities.
The suspect is currently in police custody and undergoing interrogation as investigators seek to determine the source of the recovered items, uncover the extent of his activities, identify possible accomplices, and establish whether he is connected to other crimes within or outside Akwa Ibom State.
Reacting to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, reiterated the Command’s commitment to rooting out criminal networks and individuals who exploit the identities of security agencies to deceive the public and perpetrate crimes.
The Command also warned residents against the unlawful possession, purchase, or use of security uniforms, identity cards, insignia, and other restricted items, stressing that such offences attract severe legal consequences.
Police further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or anyone falsely claiming to be security personnel, noting that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime and the maintenance of peace and security across the state.
