A 20-year-old civilian, Ibrahim Akande, was on Monday arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court for allegedly wearing the Nigerian Army uniform to extort money from truck drivers and other members of the public in Lagos.
Akande is facing a four-count charge bordering on impersonation, stealing, extortion and breach of peace.
The prosecutor, Sergeant Marvellous Obongha, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on January 16, 2019 at Alahun Ozunmba, Maza-Maza, Lagos State
“The defendant being a civilian was in a full military camouflage, impersonating as member of the Nigerian Army,” Obongha said.
The prosecutor also said the defendant possessed a Nigerian Army tag, identity card and at ATM card belonging to one Adefowope Idris.
The prosecutor also said that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by wearing the Nigerian Army uniform and using the Nigerian Army identity card to intimidate, harass and extort money from truck drivers and other members of the public.
According to him, the offences are punishable under sections 77 (a)(b), 330 (d), 287 and 168 (d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him.
Magistrate K.A Ariyo granted the defendant bail in the sum N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The sureties, according to the Magistrate, must furnish the court with proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He adjourned the matter till February 12, 2019 for mention.
