MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 34-year-old man, Rabiu Oladipupo, was arraigned before a Lagos State Magistrate Court over allegations bordering on impersonation and unlawful possession of Nigerian Army items. The case was filed by the Commissioner of Police.
According to the charge sheet, the incident was said to have occurred on the 27th day of April, 2015 at about 10:40am at Ikorodu Roundabout, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District. The prosecution alleged that the defendant acted alongside others who are currently at large.
In the first count, the prosecution alleged that the defendant and others conspired amongst themselves to commit a felony. The alleged felony was unlawful possession of Nigerian Army uniform and a fake identity card. This offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The second count alleged that on the same date, time and place, the defendant was found in unlawful possession of one Nigerian Army camouflage hat and one fake Nigerian Army identity card. The prosecution stated that this act was contrary to and punishable under Section 79(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The third count before the court alleged that the defendant forged a Nigerian Army identity card bearing his name and picture. The prosecution alleged that the document was intended to present him as a member of the Nigeria Armed Forces. This was said to be contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 365(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The charge sheet indicated that the exhibits in the matter included the alleged camouflage hat and the fake identity card. The case is being handled by officers of the Command Tactical Squad, State Headquarters, Ikeja.
The Investigating Police Officer listed on the document was Inspector Akekoromowei Emoemi of Command Tactical Squad 1 Ikeja. The matter was coordinated by SP Abanti Adamu, OC Command Tactical Squad.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The prosecutor, SP Philip Ademigbuji, asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted him bail with two sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
Legal experts note that Sections 79, 363, 365 and 411 of the Lagos State Criminal Law deal with offences relating to impersonation, forgery, unlawful possession of military items, and conspiracy. The sections prescribe various penalties upon conviction.
It is important to state that the allegations contained in the charge sheet are yet to be proven in court. Under Nigerian law, every person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of jurisdiction.