A 25-year-old man, Moshood Bello, charged with wearing a Nigeria Navy uniform was on Monday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The defendant, whose occupation and residential address are unknown, was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs O.A. Aderibigbe on a two-count charge of impersonation and unlawful possession of arm and clothing.
Bello however, denied committing the offences and was admitted to a bail of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Aderibigbe said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government (LASG).
Police Prosecutor, Insp. Mojirade Edeme told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June 25 at the Nigeria Force Resettlement Centre, Oshodi in Lagos.
She said that the defendant presented himself as a naval officer by wearing the uniform.
“The defendant was accosted by some security officers while he was making trouble with some group of people.
“When he was asked to identify himself he brought out his identity card; it was later detected to be fake.
“After several interrogations and investigations, it was discovered that the defendant was never a member of the Nigeria Navy.
“When searched, two knives were recovered from him. He was taken to the station,” the prosecutor alleged.
The offences violated sections 77 and 330(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 77 stipulates three years imprisonment for impersonating member of armed forces while section 330(d) prescribes seven years for unlawful possession of arm, clothing.
The case was adjourned until July 26 for mention.
