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Ondo SWAT Officer Caught on CCTV Stealing Phones
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, which occurred on March 22, 2025, took place amid heightened tensions in the community.
The shop, owned by Seketi Adebowale, is a barbershop powered by solar energy valued at N6 million. It also serves as a charging station for mobile phones and power banks. According to Adebowale, the officers broke into the shop and took several phones belonging to customers. He revealed that he received an alert about intruders and, upon reviewing the security footage, discovered that the culprits were officers from SWAT Akure. Fearing they would tamper with the footage, he quickly secured the CCTV camera.
The police presence in the area was linked to an ongoing conflict involving a Navy captain, Jide Falade, and the local king. The dispute escalated after the king reportedly accused Falade of armed robbery and kidnapping, leading to his arrest and court appearance on March 21. Following the adjournment of the hearing to March 22, tensions rose as Falade’s supporters staged a protest against his detention.
During the demonstration, SWAT officers, allegedly acting on the king’s instructions, arrested several protesters and transferred Falade to Olokuta Prison. The situation took a violent turn when the police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowd. Protesters retaliated by throwing stones, forcing the officers to retreat, leaving behind a firearm, which was later returned by the demonstrators.
Following the unrest, the king allegedly led SWAT officers to homes and shops in the community, which were subsequently vandalized. Adebowale’s shop was among those targeted, despite the presence of CCTV footage documenting the break-in. He also accused the officers of assaulting residents, including women, children, and even livestock.
Video evidence obtained from the community showed a woman and a young boy displaying injuries allegedly inflicted by the police. The boy claimed he was beaten with sticks, while the woman recounted how officers kicked down her door, attacked her son with a cutlass, and beat her with the blunt side of the weapon. She further alleged that one officer threatened to kill her, but another intervened. Additional photos from the community showed a man with a deep head wound and another victim with a bleeding leg.
Adebowale has called for a full investigation into the actions of the SWAT officers and justice for the victims of police brutality in the community. Meanwhile, the next court hearing for Captain Falade is scheduled for March 28.
SWAT was introduced in October 2020 to replace the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) following nationwide protests against SARS over allegations of human rights abuses and misconduct. However, incidents like this have raised concerns about continued police brutality and the failure of reforms within the force.
