Operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LNSC, have taken into custody a man identified only as Godwin, who is believed to be mentally unstable, after discovering 27 SIM cards in his possession in the Epe area.
According to an LNSC statement, Godwin had been under covert surveillance for more than a month following multiple reports from residents about his unusual behaviour.
Originally from Ughelli Local Government Area in Delta State, he was found sheltering in an abandoned security post at a T-junction in Epe.
Locals noted that Godwin frequently changed his attire at dawn and engaged in late-night phone calls, despite his dishevelled appearance, an erratic pattern that ultimately aroused suspicion.
On Monday, May 5, officers from the Epe command conducted a routine patrol and, finding him absent from his usual spot, searched the vacant structure. Hidden within a block wall, they uncovered 27 registered SIM cards.
“Mr Godwin was apprehended shortly after he returned to that location,”; the statement read.
During questioning, he confirmed his identity and background but refused to disclose the whereabouts of any mobile devices linked to the SIM cards.
A nearby food vendor corroborated reports of Godwin’s odd conduct, observing that he could be mentally alert and coherent despite his unpredictable actions.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest and noted that preliminary inquiries indicate the suspect may be both mentally unwell and homeless.
He stressed, however, that there is currently no evidence linking Godwin to serious crimes such as kidnapping.
“That claim is, for now, baseless,”; Hundeyin added.
