Fake police inspector arrested in Akwa Ibom
Police Arrest Fake Inspector Amidst Impersonation Allegations in Akwa Ibom
UYO, Akwa Ibom – The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended a suspect identified as Precious Joseph for allegedly impersonating a police officer.
According to a statement from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, police seized several items from Joseph, including a police beret, insignia, Inspector rank badges, PMF uniforms, and a military camouflage sweater. Additional items included a lawyer’s wig, two pairs of desert boots, and various security-related accessories suspected to have been used for impersonation.
The arrest occurred on Sunday, July 5, 2026, around 2:30 p.m. during a routine stop-and-search operation on Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo. Officers stopped a motorcyclist on an unregistered Top Way motorcycle. The rider, later identified as Joseph, claimed to be an Inspector of Police.
Upon further inquiry to verify his identity, Joseph presented a police warrant card under the name of Inspector Daniel. However, his behavior raised suspicions among the officers, prompting a thorough search. This investigation uncovered another official identification card belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service, intensifying doubts about Joseph’s claims.
Subsequently, investigators traced Joseph to his residence in Ikot Ekpene, where they recovered uniforms and other suspicious items.
Joseph is currently in police custody, undergoing interrogation as authorities work to determine the origins of the seized items and evaluate the full scope of his activities, including potential accomplices and links to other criminal offenses in and outside the state.
Commissioner of Police Baba Azare reassured residents that the command is dedicated to dismantling criminal networks that exploit security identities for illegal activities. He urged the public to refrain from purchasing, possessing, or wearing unauthorized security uniforms or insignia, noting that such actions are serious offenses that will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.