Authorities in Lagos State have taken a man identified simply as Godwin into custody after he was found in possession of 27 registered SIM cards under suspicious circumstances in Epe.
EpeInsights learnt that the arrest was made by operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) in the Epe area following weeks of quiet observation based on reports from concerned residents.
Residents had been reporting strange behaviour by the man, who appeared homeless and mentally unstable, but was regularly seen making late-night phone calls and changing clothes in the early hours of the morning.
Originally from Ughelli in Delta State, Godwin had been living in an abandoned security post at a T-junction in Epe.
A routine patrol on Monday, May 5, led officers to search the premises in his absence. There, they discovered 27 SIM cards hidden within a block wall, prompting immediate concern.
Godwin was arrested shortly after returning to the location and confirmed his identity when questioned.
However, he refused to explain the presence of the SIM cards or provide any details about the mobile devices possibly linked to them.
Residents, including a local food vendor, expressed mixed views about his condition. While some described him as mentally unstable, others noted that he often seemed alert and capable of holding coherent conversations, further complicating assessments of his behaviour.
Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the arrest and said that, for now, there is no evidence connecting the man to any serious crimes such as kidnapping.
He added that while the suspect may be mentally unwell and homeless, investigations are ongoing.
The discovery has raised questions about urban security, surveillance gaps and the exploitation of digital tools in vulnerable communities.
Authorities have not disclosed what mobile network providers were involved or whether any of the SIM cards were linked to criminal activity.
The Lagos State Police Command said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as investigations progress.
