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Mentally Unstable Man, Caught with 27 SIM Cards in Lagos

Published

12 hours ago

07/05/2025

A man named Godwin has been arrested in the Epe area of Lagos by operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) for allegedly pretending to be mentally unstable while secretly hiding 27 SIM cards.

Mentally Unstable Man, Caught with 27 SIM Cards in Lagos

According to a statement from the agency, Godwin had been under close watch for over a month after residents raised concerns about his strange and suspicious behaviour.

The suspect, who is said to be from Ughelli Local Government Area in Delta State, was reportedly staying in an abandoned security post near a T-junction in Epe.

Locals noticed that despite appearing to be mentally unstable, Godwin would often change his clothes discreetly each morning and was frequently heard making phone calls at odd hours, especially at night.

On May 5, during one of their routine patrols, LNSC officers were informed that Godwin was not at his usual spot. Seizing the opportunity, the operatives searched the abandoned building and made a shocking discovery—27 registered SIM cards carefully hidden in a part of the block wall.

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Godwin was later arrested when he returned to the location. During questioning, he confirmed his name and hometown but refused to give any details about mobile phones that could be linked to the SIM cards.

Part of the LNSC’s statement read:

“On May 5, during routine patrol, officers were alerted that the suspect was not present. A search of the structure led to the discovery of 27 registered SIM cards hidden in a section of the wall. The suspect was arrested shortly after returning. Though he confirmed his identity, he refused to say where the phones connected to the SIM cards were.”

A local food vendor in the area also confirmed residents’ suspicions, noting that the man, despite acting strangely, often showed signs of being mentally aware and stable.

Oloruntoba Runsewe, spokesperson for the LNSC, confirmed that the suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, also confirmed the arrest. However, he explained that current findings do not show any link between Godwin and crimes like kidnapping.

In his words:

“Our preliminary investigation so far shows that he is a bit mentally unstable and homeless, and there is no evidence to point to the fact that he is a kidnapper. The claim is for now baseless.”

This case has sparked conversations online and within the Epe community, as many residents are now more cautious of individuals pretending to be mentally challenged while hiding criminal intentions. The police say investigations are still ongoing.