Man Faces Trial for Allegedly Posing as Soldier to Steal N1.25m Motorcycle
Kehinde Adeleye
A 23-year-old man, Muhammed Isah, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos State for allegedly impersonating a Nigerian Army personnel to steal a motorcycle valued at N1.25 million.
Isah was brought before Magistrate Mrs O. Kusanu on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and unlawful impersonation.
The prosecutor, SP Philip Adegbemuji, told the court that the alleged incident occurred at about 8pm on July 14, 2026, beneath the Ashade Junction bridge in the Agege area of Lagos.
According to the prosecution, Isah and an accomplice who is currently at large allegedly accosted a commercial motorcyclist identified as Muhammed Rabilu.
The suspects allegedly presented a fake military identification card and posed as serving Nigerian Army officers to intimidate the victim before dispossessing him of his Bajaj motorcycle valued at N1.25 million.
The matter was subsequently reported at the Isokoko Police Division in Agege, where an investigation was launched.
During the investigation, Isah was arrested, while his alleged accomplice reportedly escaped and remains at large.
The charges, preferred by the Commissioner of Police, were said to be contrary to and punishable under the provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
At the arraignment, the charges were read to the defendant in open court, and he pleaded not guilty to all three counts.
Following his plea, the prosecutor requested an adjournment to enable him to present witnesses and allow the police to conclude their investigation into the alleged involvement of the fleeing suspect.
Defence counsel subsequently applied for bail, urging the court to grant the defendant bail on liberal terms. The lawyer assured the court that Isah would not jump bail and would be available for trial.
In her ruling, Magistrate Kusanu granted the defendant bail with two responsible sureties, who must provide evidence of their means of livelihood and payment of taxes to the Lagos State Government.
The magistrate also ordered that the sureties be verified and directed that Isah remain at the correctional facility in Kirikiri, Lagos, pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
The case was adjourned to a later date for mention.
Meanwhile, the police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the second suspect.
Members of the public were also advised to remain vigilant and report anyone suspected of impersonating security personnel to the nearest police station.
