The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 10 individuals suspected of forging official documents, stamps, and certificates belonging to government agencies, private organisations, and financial institutions in a major crackdown on document fraud. The suspects were apprehended on April 9 during a coordinated raid by the Command Monitoring Unit at a hideout in the Ogunpa area of Ibadan. The operation, which followed sustained intelligence gathering and community cooperation, resulted in the recovery of numerous incriminating items, including fake Police Character Certificates and stamps from various government and private entities.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, actionable intelligence revealed that a group was operating from the Ogunpa hideout, producing forged documents for criminal purposes. The suspects, identified as Mumini Akanbi (62), Quadri Muhammed (31), Salami Tajudeen (50), Oladipupo Hammed (45), Oladipupo Taiwo (40), Olorun Sebi Kazem (42), Fatai Akanni (54), Alamu Kazeem (60), Olalekan Afeez (42), and Alex Olanrewaju (64), were arrested without resistance. Search warrants were executed at their operational bases, uncovering stamps from the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Ogun State CID Eleweran office, Iyaganku Area Command, Divisional Police Officers, Oyo State government ministries, and banks.
The recovered items also included forged stamps from private organisations, indicating the syndicate’s broad reach and sophisticated operations. Olayinka confirmed that preliminary investigations show the suspects were part of a well-organised network engaged in producing and using fake documents for impersonation and other illegal activities. The police spokesperson noted that all 10 suspects have confessed to their involvement and are now providing valuable information to aid further investigations.
This arrest highlights the growing efforts by Oyo State Police to combat identity fraud and document forgery, which have become major concerns in Nigeria’s public and private sectors. The use of fake certificates and stamps can lead to serious consequences, including job fraud, financial scams, and undermining public trust in official institutions. Authorities are now reviewing the recovered materials to trace the distribution network and identify potential victims or accomplices.
The police have urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to document forgery and to verify the authenticity of official documents before use. As investigations continue, the Command remains committed to dismantling criminal networks involved in fraud and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s official documentation system. This operation sends a strong message that forgery of official documents will not be tolerated and will be met with swift justice.
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