Factory producing 'fake' police uniforms discovers at Ikeja police college

  The police in Lagos have discovered a factory where police uniforms and other accouterments were being produced at the police college in Ikeja.

Our correspondent gathered that Fatai Owoseni, Lagos state police command has ordered a thorough investigation into the discovery.

It is further gathered that four women have been arrested in connection with the alleged criminal activities going on at the factory.

Items produced at the factory are: police boots, belts, badges, ranks, shirts, trousers, force numbers, cardigans and caps.

Lagoscityreporters is quoted as saying that the suspects are presently facing interrogation at the X-Squad of the state police command.

A police source said the discovery was made following petitions from concerned citizens in the police college, to the Inspector General of Police, that suspected criminals were coming to purchase police uniforms and accoutrements in an open market.

It was gathered that following the petitions, the IGP, Idris Ibrahim, constituted a panel of inquiry headed by a retired Assistant Inspector General of police, who recommended that the Lagos command should investigate the matter.

It was further gathered that the Lagos State Police boss, Fatai Owoseni, ordered the officer-in-charge of X-Squad, Bode Fakeye, a Chief Superintendent of Police, to take over the investigation.

A police detective said, “We went to the shops and discovered that truly people were selling police uniform and kits and people believed to be Civilians were coming to buy them.

“We have to arrest the people in the shops and seized 11 big bags of police uniforms and kits such as belts, identify cards, emblems, boots, socks, etc.

“The exhibits and the suspects have been moved to the state command headquarters, while we are still tracking the other suspects on the run.”

Confirming the arrests, the state police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police, said the case was referred from the police high command, Abuja.”

He added: “The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, ordered the officer-in-charge of X-Squad, to investigate and when he finally investigated and found out that it was true, the CP ordered the arrest of the suspect and seizure of the materials.

  “The suspects will be charged to court today on two counts of conspiracy and unlawful possession and sales of police kits according to Section 328, Sub section A, B, C, D of Lagos State 2011.”