Shocking Theft: Ondo Police Caught on CCTV Looting Phones"Shocking Theft: Ondo Police Caught on CCTV Looting Phones

Mobile phones were stolen from a store in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State, by police personnel from the Nigeria Police Force's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, as captured on CCTV.

The incident happened on March 22, 2025, when community tensions were at their highest.

The barbershop, which is owned by Seketi Adebowale, is said to have N6 million worth of solar energy installed. It also doubles as a power bank and smartphone charging station. Adebowale claims that when the officers broke into the store, they took multiple phones from customers who had left them charging.

"A police officer enters and removes phones from the charging station in every video," Adebowale stated. "When I looked at the video after receiving a mobile alert regarding intruders, I saw that the people were from SWAT Akure. I swiftly took the camera away for protection since I thought they would tamper with it.

According to Adebowale, the police presence was related to a broader dispute between the local ruler and Jide Falade, a Navy captain. The conflict started when Falade was arrested and appeared in court on March 21 after the king allegedly accused him of kidnapping and violent robbery. March 22 was chosen as the new date for the hearing.

When Falade's followers gathered to protest his detention, tensions increased. According to reports, SWAT officers detained a number of demonstrators and put Falade in remand at Olokuta Prison on the king's orders.

After police dispersed the crowd with live shot and tear gas, the protests allegedly descended into violence.

Video

According to Adebowale, "the protesters retaliated by throwing stones, forcing the police to retreat and abandon a gun, which the protesters later returned."

The king allegedly led SWAT officers to particular residences and businesses in the neighborhood after the disturbances, which were later demolished.

Among those attacked was Adebowale's store.

"My shop was targeted early on Saturday morning, even though there was CCTV footage that showed who was responsible," he added. "The police killed animals and further abused residents, including women, men, and children."

A mother and a boy were seen displaying injuries that were reportedly caused by the police in another video that SaharaReporters was able to obtain. The youngster said that sticks were used to abuse him. The woman said she was threatened with death by the officers.

They entered after kicking the door open. They used a cutlass to cut my son, then beat me with the blunt end. They threatened to cut my head with one of them. "Go ahead and kill me," I said. The woman stated, "He threatened to kill me, but one of them stopped him."

A man with a serious cut on his skull and another victim with a gushing leg are depicted in community-sourced photos.

Adebowale demanded justice for the victims and an inquiry into the SWAT officers' conduct.

Captain Falade's next court appearance is set for March 28.

After numerous demonstrations against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) over claims of misconduct and violations of human rights, SWAT was created in October 2020 to replace the SARS.