The maritime police command in Lagos has announced the arrest of two individuals who purportedly impersonated operatives to engage in extortion.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Rowland Ehinmode, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the arrests on Tuesday. He stated that the suspects were apprehended on April 2 for their alleged involvement in conspiracy and forgery of the command’s official investigative documents.
“They were arrested after a complaint was lodged at the Maritime Police Command Headquarters that some containers were blocked with purported documents from the command, contrary to the directives of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Maritime, Lagos, Mrs. Rhoda Olofu,” Ehinmode said.
“The AIG, on assumption of office in November, 2023, ordered the immediate release of all containers blocked or placed on lien at the ports without cogent reasons.
“This was to give effect to the Federal Government’s policy on Ease of Doing Businesses at the country’s seaports. She warned that blocking of containers should be based only on credible information.
“The AIG advised port users to always verify from the Maritime Police Command the authenticity of any purported investigation activities or container blockage letters.”