Nigerian police officers caught on CCTV stealing phones from a shop amid community unrest in Ondo (video)

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, during heightened tension in the community, following a dispute involving a Navy captain, Jide Falade, and the local king.

The shop, owned by Seketi Adebowale, is a barbershop powered by solar energy valued at N6 million and also serves as a charging station for mobile phones and power banks.

Adebowale alleged that the officers broke into his shop and stole several customers’ phones that were left to charge.

“In each of the videos, a policeman walks in and takes phones from where they were being charged,” Adebowale stated. “I received a mobile alert about intruders and checked the footage, which revealed that the individuals were from SWAT Akure. Expecting them to tamper with the camera, I quickly removed it for safekeeping.”

The unrest in the community stemmed from accusations by the king, who alleged that Falade was involved in armed robbery and kidnapping.

This led to Falade’s arrest and court appearance on March 21, with the case adjourned to March 22.

Following his detention, his supporters staged a protest, which was met with a crackdown by SWAT officers, allegedly acting on the king’s instructions.

Reports indicate that the officers fired tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowd, prompting the protesters to retaliate by throwing stones.

During the chaos, police officers reportedly retreated and abandoned a gun, which was later returned by the protesters.

Following the violent confrontation, the king allegedly led SWAT officers to various homes and businesses in the community, where properties were destroyed. Adebowale’s shop was among those affected.

“Early Saturday morning, my shop was targeted despite the presence of CCTV footage that captured the culprits,” he said. “The police further assaulted residents, including men, women, and children, and even killed animals.”

In another video obtained by SaharaReporters, a woman and a young boy showed injuries they claimed were inflicted by police officers.

The boy said he was beaten with sticks, while the woman alleged that officers threatened to kill her.

“They kicked the door open and came in. They cut my son with a cutlass and used the blunt part to beat me. One of them threatened to slash my head. I told him to go ahead and kill me. He said he would kill me, but one of them stopped him,” the woman recounted.

Photos from the community show a man with a deep cut on his head and another individual with a bleeding leg.

Adebowale has called for a thorough investigation into the actions of the SWAT officers and justice for the victims.

The next court hearing for Captain Falade is scheduled for March 28.

SWAT was established in October 2020 as a replacement for the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) following widespread protests against police brutality in Nigeria.