Nasarawa police detain three suspects after intercepting unregistered Lexus and alleged forged ICPC ID

Nasarawa State Police Command reported that three people were detained on Sunday after officers seized an unregistered Lexus IS 250 in the Bukan Sidi district of Lafia. Operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit halted the vehicle during a standard patrol, leading to the apprehension of the passengers, who were named Mohammed Umar, Mohammed Nuhu, and Ibrahim Suleiman. Police said the vehicle had no registration plates and that the driver could not provide a satisfactory explanation of its ownership, leading to the detention of all three passengers for further investigation.

Upon interrogation, Mohammed Nuhu asserted his status as an employee of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and presented an ID card, which law enforcement officials subsequently identified as counterfeit. The police public relations officer, Ramhan Nansel, confirmed that preliminary findings indicated the ICPC ID was counterfeit. Nuhu also alleged that he was accompanying the driver from Kaduna State because the driver lacked a valid licence.

The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue into the vehicle’s ownership and any additional offences that may be linked to the incident. The command indicated that charges will be filed once the inquiry is completed.

Background

The operation was carried out by the Anti‑Kidnapping Unit of the Nasarawa State Police Command, which has been tasked with proactive, intelligence‑led policing across the state. The three men were apprehended on 1 November 2026, a date noted in statements from both the police and local media outlets. The police commissioner, Shetima Jauro Mohamed, reiterated the force’s commitment to combating crime and urged the public to provide credible information to aid security efforts.

Investigators also noted a possible link between Ibrahim Suleiman and the Eiye Confraternity, a cult group that has been the subject of previous police scrutiny. The police said the allegation is being examined to determine the extent of Suleiman’s involvement.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns over the misuse of official identification documents, particularly those belonging to anti‑corruption bodies such as the ICPC. Forged IDs can facilitate a range of illicit activities, including fraud and the evasion of law enforcement. The seizure of an unregistered luxury vehicle also underscores issues of vehicle theft and illegal importation, which have economic and security implications for the region.

The three suspects’ detention serves as a warning to individuals who might attempt to exploit official credentials for personal gain. It also reinforces the police’s focus on intelligence‑driven operations aimed at disrupting organised crime and cult activities, as indicated by the ongoing probe into the alleged Eiye Confraternity connection.

What happens next

Police have indicated that investigations are ongoing to establish the true ownership of the Lexus and to verify any further offences linked to the suspects. The command has stated that the three men will be formally charged once the inquiry is concluded. The commissioner’s office has called on the public to remain vigilant and to report any credible information that could assist in the investigation.