By Our Reporter
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested at least 23 suspects and rescued over four victims as part of intensified crime prevention and control efforts.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, disclosed this during a press briefing yesterday, highlighting a series of successful operations targeting crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, child abuse, defilement, and cult-related violence.
Among those arrested in the past two weeks were two Pakistani nationals, accused of being part of a seven-man syndicate that lured a fellow countryman to Lagos under the pretense of a job offer, only to kidnap him.
The 48-year-old victim, identified simply as Iftkhar, was allegedly invited to Lagos with a promise of employment as a chef. Upon arrival, he was tied up, robbed of $2,000, three ATM cards, a green card, driver’s license, and NIN slip, while the kidnappers demanded a ₦50 million ransom from his employer in Kano.
“His employer paid ₦1 million before alerting authorities. Acting on intelligence, police stormed the kidnappers’ hideout, rescued the victim unharmed, and arrested two suspects- Roman Gull, 19, and Aftab Ahmad, 28. A Toyota Camry (EDO-SGD-AE) was recovered, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects,” said CP Jimoh who was represented by the spokesman for the command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety and bringing criminals to justice.
Giving details of other cases, the police boss said the anti-Kidnapping Unit on March 7, rescued three kidnapped victims from a forest along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ibeju-Lekki, he said, adding that the victims were held captive but pressure from the tactical team forced the criminals to abandon them less than 24 hours after they were kidnapped.
“The victims received medical attention and have since been reunited with their families. Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing kidnappers,” said CP Jimoh.
On March 9, at about 11:45am, a woman reported that she had been kidnapped and extorted by individuals posing as customers.
The victim explained that on March 5, she was contacted via WhatsApp by one Emmanuel Bernard under the pretense of purchasing phone pouches at Iyana Isashi.
“Upon arrival, she was forcefully dragged into a room by Emmanuel and his female accomplice, Mazioma Okafor, who physically assaulted her, took nude pictures, and demanded a ₦2 million ransom.
“Her family was forced to pay ₦300,000 before she was released. Following her report, police detectives swiftly arrested the two suspects, who are currently in custody,” he stated.
He said operatives of the Tactical Team at Idimu on February 25, intercepted three suspected armed robbers attempting to rob passersby along Governor’s Road, Ikotun.
He said one of the suspects, Chukwunonso Henry, 29, was arrested, while others fled, adding that a wooden toy pistol was recovered.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of an armed robbery gang, leading detectives to the arrest of five other gang members.
“Barely an hour later, at about 12:20am, on February 26, a team of special operatives on patrol sighted four armed hoodlums robbing motorists on Mile 2 Bridge. One of the suspects, Suleiman Oseni, 22, was arrested, while others escaped.
“Items recovered included an operational motorcycle, two cutlasses, two knives, and charms. The suspect confessed to being part of a robbery syndicate operating along Mile 2 – Alakija on the Badagry Expressway axis. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplices,” he stated.
The CP said a case of sediment was reported against one Joel Chukwuemeka, 35, on February 25, who allegedly defiled his 15-year-old sister-in-law, adding that the survivor was taken to the hospital for medical examination, while the suspect confessed to the crime upon arrest.
Also on March 2, he said police operatives arrested four suspected cable vandals- Innocent Victor, 47, Yusuf Ismaila, 45, Omega David, 46, and Francis Asua, 43, at Igbonla/Ilara Road, Eredo, Odo Noforija.
“The suspects were caught attempting to steal electrical conductors from a transformer. Items recovered included a plier, two iron-cutting saws, a hammer, and a Toyota Corolla with registration number BDG-22-GX,” said the police boss.
Continuing, CP Jimoh said a police team conducting a stop-and-search operation at Olukosi Bus Stop, Shasha, was attacked by hoodlums after a passenger on a motorcycle resisted being searched.
The passenger was said to have mobilised a group that assaulted the police team leader. Eventually, two suspects, Maja Tayo, 26, and Ogunbayode Olumide, 25, were arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others involved.
Also, police operatives along Bible College Road, Alakuko, intercepted two suspected armed robbers, Yusuf Saubana, 30, and Ifayemi Jamiu Adejimobi, 32, who were riding a TVS motorcycle on March 5.
“Upon searching them, officers recovered a dismantled locally made single-barrel gun and charms. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
“That same day, at about 6:30pm, a child abuse case was reported involving one Tayo Arowolo, 26, who allegedly inflicted severe injuries on a six-year-old child for yet-to-be-determined reasons.
“Detectives visited the scene, rescued the child, and rushed her to the hospital. The suspect, who admitted to the crime, was arrested. A belt and a pair of rubber slippers used in the assault were recovered from him,” he said.
Reiterating the command’s resolve to rid Lagos of crime, CP Jimoh urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to ensure the safety of all.
“Lagos State Police Command will not relent in its efforts to clamp down on criminal elements. We urge the public to provide timely information that can assist law enforcement in tackling crime. Together, we can make Lagos a safer place,” he stated.
He further assured that all arrested suspects would face the full wrath of the law as investigations continue.