Fake electricity worker busted in Lagos Estate with cutlasses, hammer [VIDEO]

Residents and security personnel at an estate in Lagos State reportedly foiled a suspected robbery attempt after a man allegedly disguised himself as a Ikeja Electric worker to gain access to a home.

According to an account circulating among residents, the suspect entered the estate and approached a couple, claiming that he had been sent to inspect their electricity meter.

The man reportedly told the couple that other members of his team would soon join him for the inspection.

He allegedly attempted to gain access to the couple’s living room, but the husband became suspicious and refused to allow him inside.

The suspect reportedly insisted that he needed to enter the living room, prompting the homeowner to raise an alarm.

The alarm attracted estate security personnel and other residents, who quickly gathered around the man and prevented him from leaving the premises.

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A search of the suspect’s bag allegedly uncovered three cutlasses and a hammer, raising further concerns about his intentions for entering the estate under the guise of carrying out an electricity-related inspection.

The incident has prompted renewed calls for residents to exercise caution when admitting individuals claiming to be electricity workers, technicians, contractors or other service providers into their homes.

Residents have also been advised to request proper identification and, where necessary, independently verify the identity of service personnel with the relevant company before granting them access.

The incident comes ahead of the festive season, a period when increased movement of people and heightened economic activity can create additional security challenges for residential communities.

Security-conscious residents are therefore being encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or activities to estate security personnel and the relevant law-enforcement authorities.

Residents are also advised against confronting suspected criminals alone. Instead, suspicious persons should be reported immediately to trained security personnel or the police for appropriate action.

The incident, while reportedly prevented before any harm was done, underscores the importance of effective access-control measures, vigilant security personnel and cooperation among residents in safeguarding estates and communities.