Fake Soldier Rescued from Angry Mob in Abeokuta
Operatives from the Ogun State Police Command's SWAT Unit intervened to save a man pretending to be a soldier from violent mob action on Monday, November 17. The incident occurred at the Olomore area of Abeokuta, where an irate crowd had surrounded the suspect and was preparing to administer jungle justice.
Swift Police Response Prevents Tragedy
The police intervention followed a distress call received by the Command's Cyber Centre, alerting authorities about a man dressed in full military green camouflage uniform who was surrounded by an angry crowd and facing imminent lynching. SWAT operatives immediately raced to the scene, and their arrival caused the mob to disperse quickly, allowing for the safe rescue of the suspect.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect, identified as Robinson Godday, a 31-year-old male, had allegedly snatched two mobile phones from a young man in the area. His attempt to escape proved unsuccessful as he was overtaken by the large crowd determined to deliver instant justice. During the confrontation, the suspect sustained an injury to his right leg from the assault by angry youths.
Stolen Property Recovered and Returned
The mob managed to recover the two stolen phones and returned them to their rightful owner before police arrival. During preliminary interrogation, Godday confessed that he was not a genuine military officer. He admitted to stealing the military uniform from a soldier serving at the Ojo Military Barracks in Lagos, who is currently deployed on operations in the North-East.
Following this incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, expressed strong disapproval of street justice and directed intensified raids and stop-and-search operations in the Olomore axis. These measures aim to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue to uncover the full extent of his activities and identify any possible accomplices. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of impersonation and the dangers of mob justice in Nigerian communities.
