The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, has defended officers caught on CCTV taking mobile phones from a shop in Idogun, Ose LG A in Ondo State, stating that those officers were only doing their job and not stealing.
According to a media report, the police officers from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit were captured entering a barbershop owned by Seketi Adebowale and removing mobile phones left there by customers for charging. The incident, which occurred on March 22, 2025, happened amid rising tensions in the community.
Adebowale claimed the officers broke into his shop and stole multiple phones, adding, “In each of the videos, a policeman walks in and takes phones from where they were being charged. I received a mobile alert about intruders and checked the footage, which revealed that the individuals were from SWAT Akure. Expecting them to tamper with the camera, I quickly removed it for safekeeping.”
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Reacting to the viral footage, the Delta State Police PRO dismissed claims of theft, arguing that the officers were only performing their duty.
“He wasn’t stealing, it’s our job to recover and keep them till the owners come for them; else, rogues will steal them. That’s what we do, it’s our job. But as na Sahara report am so, I no dey surprise sha,” the Delta Police spokesperson said.
However, Adebowale and other residents have called for a thorough investigation into the officers’ conduct and justice for the victims.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE