Police Nabs Man Over Impersonation, Extortion
The operatives of Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a man for impersonating as an officer of the Nigerian Police and extorting people in Oshodi.
It was learnt that the suspect identified as Gregory Anyasodo, 47, from Owerri North, Imo State was arrested after stealing N125,000 from one of his victims, a trader in Oshodi.
The unsuspecting victim, Mrs Emmanuella Joseph had approached RRS officials stationed in Oshodi to report Anyasodo’s threat to arrest her and the confiscation of her hand bag containing N125,000.
A search around the area led to the arrest of Anyasodo and the recovery of a radio that appeared like a walkie – talkie and a Police Identity card, which portrayed him as an Inspector with the number 14873, attached to Lagos Taskforce and Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
Confirming the crime, the suspect acknowledged seizing the traders bag but did not steal her money as alleged by the victim.
“I have been in the trade since December 2016. I came to Lagos before Christmas in preparation for The Lord’s Chosen convention in Lagos, which was held in February, 2017 at Ijesha.
“My early coming for the programme was for me to seize that opportunity to look for job in Lagos. When I couldn’t get a job, I ventured into impersonating the police”, he explained.
He stated further, “I have been arrested six times in Owerri for impersonation. I have impersonated WAEC and JAMB officials. I have been arrested thrice by Shell Camp police, Owerri for impersonation.
“I am a father of six. I left my wife with six children when I was coming to Lagos. I have been sleeping in hotels since I got to Lagos. Occasionally, people allow me to sleep on the balconies and corridors of their house after I had convinced them that am a stranger. I make between N10,000 to N15, 000 daily parading myself as police officer and extorting innocent people”, he stated.
The police authourity said the suspect have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba.
