Police nab suspected kidnapper pretending to be mentally unstable

Operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Epe Command, have arrested a man identified as Mr. Godwin, who allegedly feigned mental illness to cover up his involvement in criminal activities.

Godwin, a native of Ughelli Local Government Area in Delta State, had been under covert surveillance for over a month following intelligence reports and suspicions raised by members of the Epe community.

According to eyewitnesses, his behavior was inconsistent with that of a truly mentally ill person. Residents observed him changing clothes discreetly each morning and engaging in suspicious late-night phone calls activities that eventually prompted community members to alert local security operatives.

READ ALSO: 3 policemen killed in deadly Enugu ambush

According to LNSC in a statement, the suspect often took shelter in an abandoned security post located along Lagos Road near the T-junction in Epe. His activities triggered concerns, prompting residents to alert the LNSC.

On Monday, during a routine patrol, officers were informed that Godwin was temporarily away from the location.

The team swiftly acted on the information, conducting a search of the abandoned structure. During the operation, they discovered 27 registered SIM cards hidden within a section of a block wall.

LNSC officers then laid in wait and arrested the suspect shortly after he returned to the location. During preliminary interrogation, he confirmed his name and origin but refused to disclose the whereabouts of any mobile phones linked to the SIM cards.

A local food vendor who had occasionally interacted with the suspect told authorities that while Mr. Godwin maintained the appearance of a mentally ill person, his conversations and mannerisms often indicated otherwise.

“On May 5, during a routine patrol, officers were informed by residents that the suspect was temporarily absent from the area. Acting swiftly, the patrol team searched the structure and discovered 27 registered SIM cards concealed within a section of a block wall.

“Officers were immediately dispatched, and Mr. Godwin was arrested shortly after his return to the location. During interrogation, he confirmed his identity and background but declined to reveal the location of any mobile phones linked to the SIM cards.

“A local food vendor corroborated reports of his strange behavior, noting that he often appeared mentally sound despite his erratic lifestyle,” the statement read partly.

The suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue to determine the extent of his involvement in possible kidnapping or related criminal operations.