In a shocking turn of events, Nigerian police officer from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit have been caught on CCTV stealing mobile phones from a shop in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. The incident, which took place on March 22, 2025, during a period of heightened tension in the community, has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about police misconduct in the country.
The shop, owned by Seketi Adebowale, is a barbershop that also serves as a mobile phone charging station, equipped with solar energy valued at N6 million. Adebowale, who was the victim of the theft, explained that the shop is used by many in the community to charge their phones and power banks. However, on the day of the theft, several mobile phones left by customers for charging were stolen by the police officer who entered the shop.
Adebowale recounted the incident, saying, “In each of the videos, a policeman walks in and takes phones from where they were being charged.” He further explained that he received an alert about intruders at the shop and immediately checked the CCTV footage, which showed police officers from the SWAT unit in Akure entering the premises and taking the phones.
“Expecting them to tamper with the camera, I quickly removed it for safekeeping,” Adebowale added. His swift actions may have prevented the officers from destroying the evidence of their crime.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from Nigerians, with many people expressing their shock and outrage over the theft by those entrusted with maintaining law and order. Social media users have been vocal in calling for justice, urging the authorities to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against the officers involved.
The robbery occurred during a time of community unrest in the area. According to reports, the police were in the locality in connection with an ongoing conflict between a local king and a Navy captain, Jide Falade. The dispute began after the king allegedly accused Captain Falade of armed robbery and kidnapping. The controversy surrounding the accusations led to Falade’s arrest and subsequent court appearance on March 21, 2025. The case was adjourned to March 22, the same day the theft occurred at Adebowale’s shop.
While the police were reportedly in the area to maintain order in relation to the ongoing dispute, their actions have now cast a shadow over their conduct, raising serious questions about their professionalism and the abuse of power by some officers. The fact that they were caught on camera engaging in criminal activity has further eroded public trust in law enforcement in Nigeria.
Residents of Idogun, as well as many Nigerians across the country, are demanding a full investigation into the incident. Many are calling for swift disciplinary action against the officers involved and for greater accountability within the Nigerian police force. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about police misconduct, corruption, and the urgent need for reforms in law enforcement agencies across Nigeria.
This theft is not an isolated incident. Over the years, allegations of corruption and abuse of power by police officers have been widespread in Nigeria. From extortion and bribery to acts of violence, such incidents have contributed to the public’s growing distrust in the police force. Many Nigerians have called for systemic changes to improve the integrity of the police, including better training for officers, more transparent practices, and stronger mechanisms to hold officers accountable for their actions.
Experts have pointed out that incidents like the one in Ondo State are a reflection of the larger issues facing Nigeria’s law enforcement system. According to Dr. Adebayo Oladapo, a security expert, the theft in Ondo highlights the need for comprehensive police reforms to address misconduct and ensure that officers are properly trained to serve and protect the public.
“This is a serious violation of the trust that the people of Nigeria place in the police force,” Dr. Oladapo said. “There must be a thorough investigation into the incident, and those responsible should be held accountable. It’s time for the government to act decisively to restore public confidence in the police force.”
The Nigerian police have yet to release an official statement regarding the theft at Adebowale’s shop. However, the public outcry has put pressure on the authorities to act swiftly. Many Nigerians are demanding that the police take responsibility for the actions of their officers and demonstrate that such behavior will not be tolerated.
In the wake of this incident, calls for police reform have intensified. Civil society organizations, human rights groups, and concerned citizens have called for immediate reforms to improve the accountability and professionalism of the Nigerian police. These reforms would aim to prevent further incidents of misconduct, restore public trust, and ensure that officers are held to the highest standards of conduct.
While the investigation into the theft continues, Nigerians are watching closely to see what actions the authorities will take. Many hope that this incident will be the catalyst for much-needed change within the police force and the broader security sector.
This incident has sparked a wider debate about police behaviour during times of unrest, as well as the lack of accountability within the police force. It serves as a stark reminder that despite the efforts of some officers to uphold the law, there are those within the force who continue to tarnish the reputation of law enforcement in Nigeria.
