The Maritime Police Command in Lagos said it arrested two men suspected of impersonating the command for extortion.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Rowland Ehinmode, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday.

Mr Ehinmode said that the suspects were arrested on April 2 for alleged conspiracy and forgery of Maritime police command official/investigation documents, among others.

“They were arrested after a complaint was lodged at the Maritime Police Command headquarters that some containers were blocked with purported documents from the command, contrary to the directives of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Maritime, Lagos, Rhoda Olofu.

“The AIG, on assumption of office in November 2023, ordered the immediate release of all containers blocked or placed on lien at the ports without cogent reasons.

“This was to give effect to the federal government’s policy on ease of doing business at the country’s seaports. She warned that blocking containers should be based only on credible information,” he said.

The spokesperson said that the investigation, however, revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired and forged the Maritime Police Command’s official documents.

He said that they also impersonated police officers of the Maritime Command and blocked more than 20 containers for purposes of extorting money from the consignees and clearing agents.

Mr Ehinmode said that the AIG frowned at the unwholesome, fraudulent and criminally minded individuals parading themselves as officers of Maritime Police Command.

“The AIG advised port users to always verify with the Maritime Police Command the authenticity of any purported investigation activities or container blockage letters.

(NAN)