The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a five-member notorious armed robbery and vehicles theft gang. The CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, who led a team of senior police officers, including Commander of Area M, Idimu, ACP Tokunbo Abaniwonda, Commander of Tactical and Anti Kidnapping Squad, to the Igando area of Lagos, where they apprehended the gang’s driver on Friday, confirmed the arrest.
Addressing journalists at the driver’s residence, CP Jimoh stated that the house ‘behind me’ housed three suspects including the driver. He also showcased the two vehicles recovered from the suspects, comprising one pump action gun (automatic), one English pistol, cartridges and charms.
The Command also successfully recovered stolen vehicles within Lagos and beyond over the last 10 days. The successes achieved were triggered by a complaint lodged by a victim, leading to a comprehensive investigation that culminated in the discovery and recovery of five vehicles.
TheMediaGood Newspaper gathered that the suspects employed various tactics, including posing as passengers, to rob victims of their vehicles and belongings.
The Lagos CP has issued a warning to the public, particularly middle-level civil servants in the private and public sectors, who intend to transport passengers to supplement their fuel expenses, stressing that the practice poses significant risks, as unscrupulous individuals may pose as passengers to board their vehicles.
“It’s unfortunate that such tactics are being employed, but they can be prevented by rationing your fuel consumption within your means, rather than relying on transporting passengers to fund your fuel expenses, which is a perilous endeavor. I strongly advise the public to avoid driving without sufficient fuel, if you lack means to fuel your vehicle, it is wise to park it until your next salary,” the CP said.
CP Jimoh expressed appreciation to the IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun for appointing him Commissioner in Lagos and providing necessary equipments for the Command. He equally commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for the command, and assured the citizens of adequate security in the state.
The CP further urged the public to report any suspicious individuals in their neighborhoods, particularly those who that their source livelihood are suspicious. The gang’s driver, who has lived in the area since 2013, shared his ordeal and disclosed that he was paid N500,000 for each night’s operation.
A suspect, who was referred to as a pastor, explained that he was called pastor by the people, not because he was an ordained pastor, but due to the services he rendered. “Initially, I was unaware that the incident involved robbery, as the vehicle was accompanied by customs papers,” the driver said.
Furthermore, Seyi, the owner of one of the recovered vehicles, whose complaint prompted the investigation leading to the suspects’ arrest, spoke to journalists at the Igando residence of the suspects. He recounted how his vehicle was stolen around 9pm on September 7 while driving along Amikanle area of Alagbado. “After stopping to pick up something, one of the suspects approached him, ordering him to lower his window,” he said.
Seyi inquired about the reason, prompting the suspect to produce a gun. He followed the instruction, unaware that another suspect was on the other side of the vehicle, who then entered the car with a pistol. “They took my phones, asked for the password, removed my jewelry and seized two iPhones and one Samsung phone.
“Following this, I was notified that they intended to take away my car, living me with no recourse, I was told to disembark and face a wall, upon compliance, I was uncertain of their intentions but thankful that they didn’t harm me, which led to swift escape.
“I am extremely pleased that the Police recovered my vehicle, I would like to express extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Lagos State Police Command, particularly the Anti Robbery and Kidnapping Squad, after the incident, in lodged a complaint, and I am grateful that they recovered my vehicle without requiring any payment.
“As soon as I arrived here, I was able to recognize one of the suspects involved in the attacked,” the victim narrated.