SaharaReporters reported on Sunday how police officers from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Nigeria Police Force were caught on CCTV stealing mobile phones from a shop in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of the state.

Police spokespersons in Lagos and Delta states have defended officers caught on CCTV stealing mobile phones from a shop in Ondo State.

SaharaReporters reported on Sunday how police officers from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Nigeria Police Force were caught on CCTV stealing mobile phones from a shop in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred on March 22, 2025, during a period of heightened tension in the community.

The shop, owned by Seketi Adebowale, is a barbershop reportedly equipped with solar energy valued at N6 million, which also serves as a charging station for mobile phones and power banks.

According to Adebowale, the officers broke into the shop and stole several phones belonging to customers who had left them to charge.

Adebowale said the police were in the area concerning a larger conflict involving a Navy captain, Jide Falade, and the local king.

The dispute began after the king allegedly accused Falade of armed robbery and kidnapping, leading to his arrest and court appearance on March 21. The hearing was adjourned to March 22.

Tensions escalated when supporters of Falade gathered to protest his detention. SWAT officers, reportedly acting on the king’s instructions, arrested several protesters and placed Falade in remand at Olokuta Prison.

The protests reportedly turned violent after police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowd.

However, reacting to the report of the police officers caught on CCTV, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, claimed the officers were only protecting lives and property.

In a post on X, Hundeyin drew parallels to past events, citing instances where police reportedly collected phones abandoned by protesters at the Lekki Toll Plaza and ensured they were returned to their rightful owners with proof of ownership.

He wrote, “During one of the protests at Lekki Toll Plaza, the police had legitimate cause to fire teargas. Many protesters fled leaving their phones behind.

“The police officers proceeded to pick all the phones for safe keeping. One by one, the owners showed up with proof of ownership and collected their phones.

“We are still in the business of protecting life and property.”

Similarly, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, echoed Hundeyin’s stance, reiterating that officers have a duty to secure property, especially in volatile situations.

Reacting to SaharaReporters’ story, Edafe wrote on X, “You stated during community unrest, you still expect a policeman who is there to perform legitimate duties to leave phones for thieves to come and take them. The policeman was only doing his job. Safekeeping them.”

However, critics have pointed out that the Ondo incident did not involve any protest or unrest, raising concerns over police accountability.

During one of the protests at Lekki Toll Plaza, the police had legitimate cause to fire teargas. Many protesters fled leaving their phones behind.

The police officers proceeded to pick all the phones for safe keeping. One by one, the owners showed up with proof of ownership and… https://t.co/XaYBK3dNV8 pic.twitter.com/N3yQ1PjunX

— CSP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) March 23, 2025

You stated during community unrest, you still expect a policeman who is there to perform legitimate duties to leave phones for thieves to come and take them. The policeman was only doing his job. Safekeeping them https://t.co/P1NHzH25tW

— SP. Bright Edafe (@Brightgoldenboy) March 23, 2025