Police officers from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Nigeria Police Force have been caught on CCTV stealing mobile phones from a shop in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The incident took place on March 22, 2025, amid heightened tensions in the area. The affected shop, owned by Seketi Adebowale, operates as both a barbershop and a charging station, powered by solar energy worth N6 million. Adebowale reported that SWAT officers forcefully entered the shop and stole several phones belonging to customers who had left them to charge.
“In each video, a policeman is seen entering the shop and taking phones from the charging station,” Adebowale stated. He explained that he was alerted to the intrusion via a mobile notification and, upon checking the footage, identified the perpetrators as officers from SWAT Akure. Fearing they might destroy the camera, he quickly removed it for safekeeping.
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The police presence in the community was linked to an ongoing conflict involving a Navy captain, Jide Falade, and the local king. The dispute escalated after the king accused Falade of armed robbery and kidnapping, leading to his arrest and a court appearance on March 21, with the next hearing scheduled for March 22.
Supporters of Falade staged a protest against his detention, prompting a response from SWAT officers who were reportedly acting under the king’s orders. Several protesters were arrested, and Falade was remanded at Olokuta Prison. The demonstration turned violent when police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowd.
“The protesters fought back by throwing stones, forcing the police to retreat and abandon a firearm, which was later returned by the demonstrators,” Adebowale added.
Following the unrest, the king allegedly guided SWAT officers to targeted homes and shops, which were subsequently vandalized. Among the businesses affected was Adebowale’s barbershop.
“Early on Saturday morning, my shop was broken into despite clear CCTV evidence of those responsible,” he said. He also reported that officers assaulted men, women, and children, and even killed livestock in the area.
In another video obtained , a woman and a young boy displayed injuries allegedly inflicted by the police.
