…Recover 43 vehicles, firearms, ammunition
By Mathew Johnson & Chioma Anuebunwa
LAGOS — The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 15-year-old suspected arms courier and 32 other suspects over alleged involvement in armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and stealing in September.
The command also recovered 43 vehicles, firearms, ammunition, N2.5 million cash and other exhibits during various operations across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed this yesterday while briefing journalists on the command’s achievements for the month.
Fatai said the teenage suspect, identified as Taiye Majekodunmi, was arrested at Capa, Oshodi, while allegedly conveying firearms and ammunition concealed inside a loaf of bread.
According to him, Majekodunmi was allegedly transporting the weapons to a receiver on the instruction of one Samuel.
He said police operatives recovered a locally made Beretta pistol, four rounds of unexpended 9mm ammunition and a locally made single-barrel, cut-to-size gun from the suspect.
“His arrest followed intelligence-led operations. Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional cut-to-size gun and 11 unexpended cartridges allegedly linked to the suspect. The suspect has made useful statements,” Fatai said.
Policeman killed on duty
The September operations also recorded the death of a police officer, Sergeant Johnson Okediji, who was allegedly knocked down and dragged underneath a vehicle during a stop-and-search operation in Egbeda.
Fatai said the incident occurred on September 26 while officers were conducting stop-and-search operations along Olugbede Street, Egbeda.
According to him, the driver initially stopped after being signalled by the officers but allegedly sped off as Okediji approached the driver’s side.
“The officer was knocked down and dragged underneath the vehicle for several metres despite repeated attempts by police officers and passers-by to make the driver stop,” he said.
Fatai said the driver was eventually chased and arrested, while the officer, who sustained multiple fractures and serious head injuries, was taken to hospital and later referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Robbery, cult arrests
The command also arrested three suspected members of a robbery syndicate in Idi-Oro, Mushin.
They were identified as Lekan Jimoh, 32; Oyepeju Olanrewaju, 33; and Olurebi Suleiman, 30.
Fatai said information obtained during interrogation led to the recovery of a black pump-action gun and 11 live cartridges at Igbogbo, Ikorodu, from 47-year-old Banjo Taiwo.
Further investigation, he said, led to the arrest of 26-year-old Ebuka Benedict at Olorunsogo, Mushin, where operatives allegedly recovered a locally made Beretta pistol and four live 9mm rounds of ammunition.
The police commissioner said Benedict also allegedly confessed to membership of the Eiye Confraternity.
The command also arrested 12 suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity in Imeke, Badagry, following intelligence-led operations.
According to Fatai, the suspects, aged between 23 and 49, allegedly admitted membership of the group.
A Mercedes-Benz vehicle, two vehicle keys, a locally made cut-to-size gun and suspected criminal charms were reportedly recovered from them.
Fatai said seven of the suspects had been charged to court, while investigation into the case continued.
Two other suspected cult members, Femi Ishola, 35, and Daniel Luke, 27, were also arrested at Ganyigbo Beach Yard.
The commissioner said both suspects were on the command’s watchlist and allegedly made confessional statements admitting membership of the Eiye Confraternity.
43 vehicles recovered
On vehicle-related crimes, Fatai said the command recovered 43 vehicles and two vehicle keys during the period under review.
He also disclosed that more than 41 vehicles were impounded during an early-morning enforcement operation targeting covered number plates and unregistered vehicles.
Other exhibits recovered during the month, according to the commissioner, included five pump-action guns, five locally made pistols, 20 live rounds of ammunition and cartridges, 15 expended rounds of ammunition, two cutlasses and suspected criminal charms.
The police also recovered a television set, radiator, car jack, vandalised electrical wires and a bag containing vehicle spare parts and tools.
In another robbery case, 29-year-old Ezekiel Sunday Obi was arrested in connection with an alleged robbery at Ghost and Spirit Lounge, Ekoro Road, Abule Egba.
Fatai said armed men, reportedly carrying an AK-47 rifle, had driven into the lounge in a grey Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV and allegedly robbed a man of his gold wrist chain and rings.
He said investigation led to Obi’s arrest at the Lagos-Ogun boundary, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged gang.
In another operation, the police arrested Ogunbayo Abdulwahib following a reported robbery operation in the Chevron area of Lekki-Ajah.
Fatai said N2.5 million and three mobile phones were recovered from a room where Abdulwahib allegedly lodged with other gang members at Idi-Oro, Mushin.
He said the other suspects fled before the arrival of the police.
Commending the operatives, Fatai said the command would continue to protect officers carrying out their duties lawfully while ensuring accountability for personnel whose conduct fell short of professional standards.
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