The SWAT Unit of the Ogun State Police Command has rescued a fake soldier from an irate mob who would have lynched him at the Olomore axis of Abeokuta.
As contained in a release by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Omolola Odutola, the incident followed a distress call intercepted by the Command’s Cyber Centre.
Police operatives were alerted that a man dressed in full military green camouflage uniform was surrounded by a crowd and was on the verge of being lynched.
“SWAT operatives raced to the scene, and upon sighting the officers, the mob immediately dispersed, allowing safe rescue of the suspect.
“Open-source intelligence further revealed that the 31-year-old suspect, Robinson Godday, had allegedly snatched two mobile phones from a young man in the area.
“His attempt to escape proved futile as he was overtaken by a large crowd intent on mob justice. He was subsequently assaulted by the irate youths and sustained an injury on his right leg.
“The stolen phones were recovered by the mob and returned to the rightful owner,” it was stated in the release.
During preliminary interrogation, the fake soldier confessed that he was not a military officer, admitting that he had stolen the military uniform from a soldier serving at the Ojo Military Barracks, Lagos, who is currently deployed on operations in the North-East.
The suspect has been remanded in police custody as investigations continue to unravel the extent of his activities and identify possible accomplices.
The act, once again, demonstrated the unwavering commitment of the law enforcement agency to protecting lives and maintaining public order in the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, who frowned at jungle justice, has directed intensified raids, stop-and-search operations be augmented in the Olomore axis to forestall a recurrence of similar incidents.
The Ogun State Police Command strongly advised members of the public to desist from taking law into their hands.
“Any suspect apprehended should be handed over to the nearest police formation for proper investigation and prosecution.
“Mob action is a criminal offence and poses a grave danger to innocent lives,” it was added in the release.
