Dismissed Officer Arrested for Impersonating Inspector at Lagos Ejigbo Police Division

A former Nigerian Police officer, Olabode Momoh, who was dismissed from service in 2005, has been arrested and charged with impersonation for unlawfully promoting himself to the rank of Inspector and resuming duty at the Ejigbo Police Division of the Lagos State Command.

The Lagos State Police Command disclosed that despite his dismissal nearly two decades ago, Momoh procured and presented falsified transfer documents to the Ejigbo Police Division, allowing him to perform police duties without authorization as a bona fide officer.

His unauthorized activities were exposed after suspicions arose regarding his status. The police subsequently arrested him and transferred him to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further investigation into the allegations.

During interrogation, Momoh reportedly admitted his dismissal from the Police but confessed that he had continuously performed police duties at various Divisions within Lagos State, despite lacking any official sanction.

Momoh faces two counts before the Yaba Magistrate Court. The first accuses him of presenting himself as a Police Inspector at the Ejigbo Division on or before February 4, 2025, without authorization, constituting an offense under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The second count alleges he falsely presented himself with a fake Inspector’s rank and attached police number.

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The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges. The prosecutor requested the court to set a date for trial to allow the Police to establish the case against him. The Magistrate granted bail with strict conditions of two sureties evidencing legitimate means of livelihood and tax compliance, with address verification by the court.

The case has been adjourned for mention, while Olabode Momoh remains in custody at a correctional facility pending fulfillment of his bail terms.

This incident underscores the challenges the Lagos Police Command faces in maintaining the integrity and discipline of its personnel, and it serves as a cautionary tale against impersonation within security forces .