Man docked for alleged impersonation, forgery

For allegedly impersonating an Air Force officer, a 35-year-old security man, AbduIlahi Muhammed, on Wednesday appeared at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Muhammed, a resident of Shonola Street, Agege, Lagos, is standing trial for allegedly threatening violence, impersonation and forgery.

The prosecutor, Insp. Clement Okuoimose, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Feb. 11 at Oluwaga, Ipaja, Lagos.

He said that the defendant paraded himself as an Air Force officer by wearing a full camouflage and also armed himself with a dagger in a public, threatening to stab one Mr Oni Balogun.

“The defendant wore an air force uniform and was also in possession of a dagger, which he used to threaten a member of the public.

“The defendant drove roughly with his motorcycle and he was challenged by Balogun.

“The defendant alighted from the bike and brought out a jack knife with the aim of stabbing Balogun.

“He was arrested and a signal was sent to Nigeria Air Force Base in Ikeja with his Identity card for sanctioning.

“It was discovered that the name of the defendant could not be found as a member of the Nigeria Air Force and that his ID card was fake.

“When he was questioned by the police, he confessed to have bought the camouflage at Kantagora Market, Abule-Egba, Lagos,” the prosecutor said.

According to him, the offences contravene sections 51, 77, 361(1)(b), 363(2b) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Newsverge reports that section 363(2b) prescribes 14 years jail term for forgery, while section 77 prescribes three years imprisonment for impersonating as member of armed forces or police.

The defendant pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mrs Y.O Ekogbule, adjourned the case till April 19 for mention.