Some members of the local vigilante group in Edo State are impersonating the Nigeria Police by parading themselves with security accoutrements such as handcuffs, police belts, berets, tear gas canisters and others, FIJ has exclusively learned. 

In a police wireless message obtained by FIJ, Philip Ogbadu, the state Commissioner of Police, lamented the act, ordering the police to prosecute any persons found culpable.

He also instructed all the assistant commissioners of police and heads of special units across all police stations in Edo State to embark on an urgent sensitisation programme for all vigilante members in the state.

EXCLUSIVE: Police List IPOB, ESN as Top Threats to Anambra Election

The message from the headquarters of the Benin Police Command and dated October 25 reads in part:  “The Commissioner of Police has observed with dismay the way and manner vigilantes operating within areas of yours are bearing police/security accoutrements such as handcuffs, police tear gas/pepper spray, police belts/beret, amongst others.

“He directs as a matter of urgency (that) you embark on sensitisation/lecture of vigilante members. They are to revert to their former uniform. Arrest any erring vigilante who disobeys this order for prosecution.”

READ ALSO: EXPOSED: Edo Policemen Who Frame Motorists, ‘Sometimes With Cocaine’ (Video)

Impersonation is a punishable act under Section 484 and Section 485 of Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act.

Emmanuel Chinalu, a Benin-based human rights lawyer, told FIJ that some of the vigilante members indeed violate people’s fundamental human rights while discharging their duties.

“To a large extent, the vigilante group has contributed to the security of the state, especially in the era of rampant jailbreaks. But the side of human rights abuses is also there,” Chinalu said. 

“From my experience as a defense counsel, they also refuse to show up in court when the need arises. Because they are usually the first eyewitnesses, they go to crime scenes and obtain evidence, but when it’s time to appear before the court to testify, they are nowhere to be found.

“Such cases are struck out because the police cannot speak authoritatively since the case was transferred to them by these absconding vigilantes.” 

A source also told FIJ that the overzealous vigilante members mostly stay around Ring Road area near the national museum in Benin, wearing polo vests with the inscription, ‘Police on Duty’.