Operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LNSC, have apprehended a man identified as Godwin, allegedly pretending to be mentally unstable, with 27 SIM cards discovered in his possession.
The suspect, who claimed to be from Ughelli Local Government Area in Delta State, was arrested in the Epe area of Lagos after weeks of surveillance by the security agency.
The LNSC disclosed in a statement released on Tuesday that Godwin had been the subject of multiple reports from local residents concerning suspicious conduct around the T-junction in Epe.
According to the statement, Godwin had been squatting in an abandoned security post in the area and was observed changing clothes discreetly each morning and making phone calls late at night.
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“On May 5, during a routine patrol, officers were informed by residents that the suspect was temporarily absent from the area,” the statement read.
“Acting swiftly, the patrol team searched the structure and discovered 27 registered SIM cards concealed within a section of a block wall.”
Upon Godwin’s return, operatives promptly arrested him and initiated questioning.
During interrogation, the suspect confirmed his identity but refused to disclose the whereabouts of any mobile phones connected to the SIM cards.
A local food vendor also provided information to the authorities, stating that Godwin, though appearing mentally unwell, often showed signs of normalcy inconsistent with severe mental illness.
The LNSC spokesperson, Oloruntoba Runsewe, confirmed the suspect’s transfer to the police.
“He is no longer in our custody,” she said.
“He has been handed over to the police for further investigation.”
Confirming the development, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, provided an update on the situation.
“Our preliminary investigation so far shows that he is a bit mentally unstable and he is homeless,” he said.
CSP Hundeyin added, “There is no evidence to point to the fact that he is a kidnapper. The claim is, for now, baseless.”
The arrest came after concerned residents reported Godwin’s suspicious routines, which included returning to the same spot daily, changing his appearance, and avoiding engagement with the community.
Security operatives indicated that the suspect had been monitored closely for over a month before action was taken based on accumulating evidence.
It remains unclear what the SIM cards were intended for, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether Godwin was working alone or as part of a wider criminal operation.
Residents of the area have expressed concern over the incident and have called for heightened security and regular patrols to deter similar occurrences.
The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue reporting unusual activities to the authorities for timely intervention.
No charges have been officially filed against Godwin as police investigations are still underway to uncover further details surrounding the case.
