By Kayode Afolabi, Ore

A 38-year-old self-acclaimed police officer, Comfort Famakinwa, has been arraigned before an Odigbo Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly impersonating a police officer and stealing a mobile phone.

The defendant was brought to court on two counts of theft and impersonation.

According to the prosecution, the defendant committed the offences on 12 August 2024 at the Kiwi area in Ore, Ondo State.

The prosecutor, Inspector James Usifoh, told the court that the defendant falsely presented herself as a serving inspector of the Nigeria Police Force, an act which constitutes impersonation.

He also alleged that the defendant stole mobile phones valued at ₦150,000, the property of the late Thomas Sylvester, which were in the custody of one Richard Sylvester.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to her.

Inspector Usifoh subsequently requested an adjournment to enable him to study the case file and prepare his witnesses for trial.

The defence counsel, Mr B.D. Adedugba, did not oppose the prosecutor’s application but prayed the court to grant his client bail on the most liberal terms.

In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Festus Akinlolu granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to 2 December 2024 for hearing.