A fake police Inspector, Precious Joseph, has been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for impersonating a security officer and possessing prohibited security paraphernalia. The arrest took place on Sunday, July 5, 2026, during a routine stop-and-search operation along Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo. Joseph, a resident of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area and an indigene of Nembe Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, was riding a Top Way motorcycle without a registration number when he was intercepted by police operatives.
Upon being stopped, Joseph introduced himself as an Inspector of Police and produced a police warrant card bearing the name “Inspector Daniel.” However, his behaviour and responses raised suspicion among the officers, prompting a more thorough search. The search revealed a second official identity card, this time belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service, further confirming that Joseph was fraudulently posing as a security personnel.
Following the discovery, Joseph led the police team to his residence in Ikot Ekpene, where additional incriminating items were recovered. These included a police beret, police buttons and insignia, Inspector rank badges, PMF uniforms, a military camouflage sweater, a lawyer’s wig, two pairs of desert boots, and other security-related accessories suspected to have been used for impersonation and other unlawful activities.
The suspect is currently in police custody and undergoing intensive interrogation. Investigators are working to determine the source of the recovered items, establish the full extent of his criminal activities, identify any accomplices, and ascertain whether he is linked to other crimes within or outside the state. The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, has assured the public that the command remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and individuals who exploit the identities of security agencies to deceive the public and tarnish the reputation of Nigeria’s security institutions.
The police command also issued a stern warning to the public against purchasing, possessing, or unlawfully wearing security uniforms, insignia, identity cards, or any other restricted items. Such acts, the command emphasized, are serious criminal offences and will attract the full force of the law. This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat impersonation and maintain public trust in security institutions. The case is expected to serve as a deterrent to others contemplating similar fraudulent activities.
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