Police Arrest Suspected Impersonator Over Fake Presidency Number Plate in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a man accused of impersonating a permanent secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation after intercepting a Lexus SUV displaying a number plate bearing the inscription “PRESIDENCY” in Abuja.

The suspect was arrested at about 8pm on Tuesday, October 20, in Maitama District, according to information attributed to the police command.

The vehicle, identified as a Lexus LX570 SUV, reportedly displayed the registration number 10B218 FG.

The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the documents presented in connection with the number plate were forged.

According to the command’s account, the suspect claimed to be the legitimate holder of the plate. Further checks allegedly revealed that he had been impersonating a permanent secretary attached to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said investigations were ongoing and that the suspect would be charged to court after their conclusion.

The police have not publicly identified the suspect in the reports examined. Details of how he allegedly obtained the number plate and registration documents have also not been disclosed.

The arrest comes amid police efforts to curb the use of concealed, fake and unauthorised government or diplomatic number plates in the nation’s capital.

Earlier in October, the FCT Police Command warned motorists against using vehicles without valid registration plates and those with concealed, defaced or deliberately faded plates. The command said such practices could make it harder for security agencies to identify and track vehicles.

The latest case remains under investigation. The allegations against the suspect have not been tested in court, and no conviction has been reported.