Fake Navy Captain Arrested as Lagos Taskforce Cracks Down on Oworonshoki Demolition Fraud

Lagos State authorities have arrested three men accused of impersonating officers of the Nigerian Navy during a government demolition exercise in Oworonshoki, raising fresh concerns over the misuse of military identity to obstruct lawful enforcement.

Among those detained is a suspect identified as James K. Robert, who allegedly posed as a Navy Captain while attempting to interfere with the removal of illegal structures and encroachments on government-owned land.

The arrests were confirmed on Thursday by the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele, during a briefing at the agency’s Oshodi–Bolade office.

According to the Taskforce, the suspects allegedly used fake naval identities to intimidate residents, obstruct officials and exploit the demolition exercise for personal gain. Their actions reportedly drew attention during the enforcement operation at Oworonshoki, where officers became suspicious of their conduct and claims.

Mr Akerele said the principal suspect had earlier visited the Taskforce office, demanding the release of vehicles seized from the demolition site. The suspect reportedly insisted that a car lot within the affected area belonged to him and should be exempted, appealing to what he described as “esprit de corps” among security agencies.

That request was rejected, with the Taskforce chairman noting that statutory notices and repeated warnings had already been issued to vacate the property before the demolition exercise commenced.

“When his demand was declined in line with professional standards, he allegedly became hostile and threatened a confrontation involving his supposed men,” Mr Akerele said.

Further doubts emerged during questioning, when the suspect was unable to provide credible details about his naval posting or command. Officers also observed inconsistencies in his appearance, including improperly worn service ribbons and missing regimental insignia, which were deemed incompatible with the rank he claimed.

The Taskforce subsequently contacted the Nigerian Navy’s Naval Police Unit, which confirmed that the suspect was not a serving officer. Naval Military Police officers were then deployed, leading to the arrest of the suspect and two others believed to be accomplices.

Mr Akerele revealed that the men had been under surveillance following repeated clashes with enforcement officers and complaints from residents who alleged that a man posing as a Navy Captain had been using intimidation to extort members of the public.

He also disclosed that the suspect’s wife reportedly admitted she had warned her husband to abandon the impersonation, cautioning that “several days are for the thief, but one day is for the owner.”

The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation by military authorities.

Lagos State officials say the case will be fully prosecuted, warning that impersonation of security personnel will not be tolerated. The Taskforce urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that criminal acts disguised under false authority will not be allowed to thrive in the state.