2 arrested for forgery, extortion at Lagos Ports

By Innocent Raphael

The Maritime Police Command in Lagos has apprehended two individuals for a string of offences including conspiracy, forgery of official documents, impersonation, blackmail, and extortion targeting businesses at the nation’s ports.

The command disclosed this in a statement signed by Acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ehinmide Rowland on Tuesday.

The suspects, identified as Gbenga Solomon, and Erhimu Igho, aged 48 and 59 respectively, both employees of CMA-CGM Nigeria Limited in Lagos, were taken into custody on the 2 of April, following a complaint lodged at the Maritime Police Command headquarters.

The complaint alleged the blocking of containers with falsified documents purportedly from the Command, contrary to directives issued by Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olofu A. Rhoda, who had ordered the immediate release of blocked containers without valid reasons to facilitate ease of doing business at the ports.

Investigations uncovered a conspiracy involving the suspects, who forged official documents, impersonated police officers, and blocked over 20 containers with fraudulent bills of lading to extort money from consignees and clearing agents.

The arrested individuals have been charged and remanded in prison custody pending further legal proceedings.

AIG Olofu also condemned the fraudulent activities, warning perpetrators that the full force of the law would be applied to anyone engaged in such criminal behavior.

She further urged all law-abiding citizens, especially port users, to verify the authenticity of any purported documents or investigations issued by the Maritime Command to prevent falling victim to similar schemes.

Olofu emphasized the Command’s commitment to transparency and accountability.