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Tag: Lagos Police Command

  • Police smash vicious interstate robbery gang, recover vehicles, firearms

    Police smash vicious interstate robbery gang, recover vehicles, firearms

    A dare-devil interstate armed robbery syndicate, which specialises in snatching cars, has been dismantled by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command.

    The suspects, Taiwo Alabi (42), Ogedengbe Lewis (46), Ighodalo Enato Francis (37) and Osaro Eghe Abiodun (34), were arrested across four states — Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Edo — by crack detectives who trailed their activities following an operation in Lagos.

    The Nation gathered that one of the suspects was a priest in a popular church in Benin City while the other was an Uber driver in Lagos whose wife had a baby barely two months ago.

    The driver, who admitted knowing that his passengers were armed robbers, told detectives that they carried the firearms in a suitcase and opened it when they were ready to strike.

    He said the suspects paid him N500,000 for one night, claiming it was the only time he had followed them.

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    The driver was apprehended in Lagos following which he led detectives to Godwill Street, Idowu Egba in Isheri-Igando Road, where detectives recovered exhibits including a semi-automatic pump action with breech no: 000565; An English pistol; 48 9mm ammunition, 46 live cartridges, one cutlass and charms.

    The police also recovered two Lexus ES350, a Toyota Sienna and one Corrolla vehicles from the gang.

    Addressing journalists at the Igando resident of the gang, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Olohundare Jimoh, said their arrest followed a car theft they carried out in Lagos last month.

    He said two of the suspects entered a private car owned by a civil servant who decided to pick up passengers after work to augment his fuel money.

    Unknown to the motorist, the two men he picked up around Lekki/Ajah were armed robbers who attacked him once they got to an isolated area.

    “They robbed the motorist of his vehicle, and immediately the matter was reported, I directed that the complainant should be contacted for more details so we could get to the roots of the matter.

    “When the complainant gave details of what happened, tactical teams were deployed to fish them out, and this investigation took detectives to three other states where these suspects had been operating.

    “So, we are sending this for members of the public to be assured that the Nigeria Police Force has the capacity to protect every Nigerian throughout the length and breadth of this country.

    “This is what we have exemplified in the successes recorded by the Lagos State Police Command.

    “The tactical commander that you see with me here is making a lot of successes in terms of violent crime prevention and apprehension of those who engage in the act.

    “I want to use this opportunity to admonish Lagosians to stop using their private vehicles to pick up passengers.

    “It is a dangerous thing to do because you do not know who the person you want to carry for a fee is.

    “It is better to park your vehicle when you do not have fuel money than to use it to pick up people you don’t know on the road.

    “That is the modus operandi this gang deployed in Lagos, but they were caught.

    “Let me also appeal to residents to always provide information to the police.

    “You can see where this house is located. It is not hidden or isolated. It is sandwiched between buildings, and even in the compound, there are other tenants.

    “So, our people need to help us secure them better by providing information about suspicious persons or activities so that the police can investigate…

    “Let me assure residents that there is no need to be scared or to panic, because we are committed to their safety and security.

    “We have a formidable team in the Lagos State Police Command to ensure safety throughout the length and breadth of the state.

    “We appreciate the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, for all the logistics support and technical aid to the command.

    “You can see the vehicles and equally the APC, one of which is mounted here today.

    “We equally appreciate the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his concern and commitment to security in the state.

    “We appreciate him for all the valuable support and other assistance that he has continuously rendered to the Police Command…”

    One of the vehicles recovered by the police was snatched from the owner between Lagos and Ogun border.

     The victim, who could not contain his joy, thanked the police for recovering his vehicle.

    He explained that he was attacked on September 7 while driving towards Alagbado.

    He said: “It was around past 9pm and I stopped to get something.

    “Less than 30 seconds after I stopped, someone banged my door and said I should wind down. So, I asked why?

    “The next thing, I saw he had a pump action gun.

    “Out of fear, I opened the door and there was another guy on the other side who had a pistol. They both jumped into my car, collected my three phones, jewellery and other items in the car.

    “Then they told me they were going with my car; that I should come down and face the wall.

    “When they told me to face the wall, I was afraid they wanted to shoot me, so I fled in the opposite direction.

    “They left with the car, a Lexus, and I reported to the police.

    “I did not pay anything to the police. No money was requested from me.

    “I am very thankful to the police, especially the tactical squad, for their intervention.”

  • 11 rescued, four held as Lagos Police dismantle ‘child trafficking’ gang

    11 rescued, four held as Lagos Police dismantle ‘child trafficking’ gang

    Operatives of the Lagos Police Command have arrested four suspected members of a trans-border child trafficking syndicate and rescued 11 victims.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Friday evening and signed by the spokesman for the command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on behalf of the Commissioner (CP) Olohundare Jimoh.

    According to the statement, the suspects were involved in the recruitment and movement of young Nigerians to Ghana for prostitution.

    They were reportedly apprehended on August 13, by operatives of the Ilemba Hausa Division, after one Mustapha Abubakar was intercepted.

    Abubakar, suspected to be a commercial motorcyclist (okada operator) and recruiter was found with a 15-year-old girl who was on the verge of being trafficked to Ghana for prostitution.

    Read Also: Court jails four for internet fraud in Lagos after EFCC sting at OOPL

    The statement reads: “The case was, thereafter, transferred to the Special Squad I of the Command which, supported by actionable intelligence, launched a swift and coordinated manhunt that led to the arrest of Charles Chima, 54, at Amuwo Odofin, Emmanuel Nwaka, 36, along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, and Princess John , 21, at Ojota.

    “Investigation revealed that all arrested suspects are part of the criminal network that recruits and traffic young women from Nigeria to Ghana.

    “Further investigations led to the safe rescue of additional ten victims aged between 21 and 29. All rescued persons are now in protective care, receiving the necessary support and assistance, while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families.

    “The suspects remain in custody and are actively assisting investigators in unravelling the full extent of the network.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, commends the operatives for their swift and professional action.

    “He reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for human trafficking and exploitation, and urges the public to remain vigilant, monitor the welfare of young persons, and promptly report suspicious activities to the Police.”

  • Guardian, four others ‘sell’ newborn N3m

    Guardian, four others ‘sell’ newborn N3m

    Operatives of the Lagos Police Command have arrested a guardian and four other suspects for allegedly selling a two-week-old baby for N3 million.

    The suspects, Nonye Osi, Akintan Adedayo, Jimoh Bashiru, Elizabeth Bishop, and Bukola Oladapo, were arrested by detectives attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Lagos State Police Command.

    Their arrest followed a case of abduction and child theft filed by a man  for his 16-year-old cousin, Happiness, who went missing while pregnant after he had been entrusted with taking care of Osi.

    In a statement, the spokesman for the police command, Chief Superintendent of Police, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident.

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    He said: “However, Nonye Osi conspired with others to relocate Miss Happiness to an unknown location. When she was eventually found, she was without her pregnancy and the baby.

    “Following transfer of the case to the SCID for discreet investigation, the police arrested the following suspects who had conspired and sold the baby for N3,000,000. Nonye Osi, Akintan Adedayo, Jimoh Bashiru, Elizabeth Bishop, and Bukola Oladapo.

    “Through painstaking efforts, detectives traced and successfully recovered the stolen two-week-old baby boy from Agemuwo, Badagry. The child was found safe and sound.

    “The Gender/Anti-Human Trafficking Unit is handling the case and attending to the baby, who is in good health, pending his reunion with his biological mother.’’

    Meanwhile, a five-month-old baby boy has been reunited with his mother, three months after being stolen by a suspected child trafficker, Mrs. Joy Temitope Oyetimi, 49, en route Warri, in Delta State.

    Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Olufemi Abaniwonda, made this known during a news conference in Asaba, the state capital yesterday, stating that the mother, 20, was drugged by the suspect.

    According to him, the incident occurred February 16, while the mother was on a business trip with the suspect from Koko to Warri.

    The baby was two months old then.

    “While they were on their way, Mrs. Joy drugged his wife via a juice, she slept off and the suspect made away with her two months old baby boy.

    “Acting on this information, the DPO Ekpan Police station embarked on an intelligence-led investigation, trailed and arrested the suspect, Mrs Joy Temitope Oyetimi ‘f’ aged 49yrs and after discreet interrogation, the suspects stated that indeed she was the one who stole the baby.

    “The baby who is now five months old has been rescued and handed over to his parents. Suspect is in custody and the investigation is ongoing,” the CP stated.

  • Police arrest 50 ‘cultists’ in Lagos 

    Police arrest 50 ‘cultists’ in Lagos 

    No fewer than fifty suspected cultists arrested by the Lagos Police Command recently are being prosecuted at various courts.

    The Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh disclosed that at his maiden press briefing held at the command headquarters on Tuesday. 

    His revelation came on the heels of cult violence that broke out in the Mushin area of Lagos at the weekend leaving at least five suspected cultists killed.

    The Nation had reported how the fight which started on Friday night at Ilasa between Aye and Eiye cult groups, escalated to other parts of the local government including Tollgate and Ilupeju.

    One of the victims, an alleged notorious cultist resident at Olufunmilayo Street, was allegedly beheaded by the rival gang while he was spotted on a motorcycle.

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    Cultism had remained a major security challenge in the state with fears from residents that such violence could escalate and innocent people becoming victims if appropriate actions are not taken.

    But at his maiden briefing, CP Jimoh assured that the command under his watch would sustain an onslaught on the menace.

    “More than 50 suspected cultists have been arrested in the acts and arraigned in court in recent times. They are currently under prosecution. 

    “We, therefore, call on parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards to desist from cult-related activities or face the full wrath of the law as the command will stop at nothing to rid the state of all acts of cultism.

    “The command will continue to uphold an open-door policy, ensuring a people-friendly and community-oriented approach to policing for all Lagosians. 

    “We will foster unhindered communication, deliberation and collaboration between the police and the public. The people of the state will have unhindered opportunity to interact with the police freely at all levels to strengthen the trust, accountability, and mutual respect on both sides,” he said.

  • Police arrest five suspects for gang clash at Aguda

    Some of the policemen attached to the Lagos State Police Command have arrested five suspects in connection with the gang-clash that occurred at Aguda near  Surulere between Sunday and Monday.

    The Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Bala Elkana,  said in a press statement on Monday that the suspects were arrested after a distress call was placed to the police.

    “On April 22, at about 9.30a.m., the Aguda  Police Station received a distress call that a group of youths from Ijesha and Aguda areas had engaged themselves in a free-for-all at the boundary between Ijesha and Aguda.

    “Police Patrol teams from Ijesha and Aguda were promptly drafted to the scene. The teams brought the situation under control.

    “Glasses of three cars were shattered with stones thrown by the hoodlums on each other.

    “Five suspects that incude: Lekan Abiose, 30,  of No.  25, Adeola St.,  ltire; Ahmed lsiaka,37, of No. 47, Animashaun ljeshatedo and  Aro Rasaq,  28 ,  of No. 40, Ronke St., ltire, all in Lagos State were arrested by the teams.

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    “Others arrested are Gideon Agwu,32, of No. 10, Alhaji Mukaila St., lba, Okokomaiko and Temileyin Odulawo, 19, of No.  57, Sanya St., Aguda also in Lagos State.

    Elkana added, “Preliminary investigation revealed that some members of the two rival groups fought at a get together organised by one Bukky and Baba Sunday on April 21 at Ijesha area.

    “There, one Ijesha youth was allegedly injured.

    “The injured youth was alleged to have mobilised his friends on a revenge mission to Aguda on Monday morning, which led to another fracas.” he said.

    Elkana added that investigation was ongoing as the command had launched a manhunt for other fleeing suspects. (NAN)

  • Lagos CP warns ballot box snatchers, others

    .Says no area will be left unpoliced

     

    Lagos State Commissioner Zubairu Muazu on  Thursday issued stern warning to ballot box snatchers and other electoral offenders to have a rethink or face the wrath of the law.

    Muazu gave the warning at his maiden interaction with reporters since assuming duties at the new police boss in the state.

    According to him, the command would stop at nothing to ensure that offenders are prosecuted and convicted, reminding residents that the earlier deployment of 30,000 security personnel for the exercise would be maintained.

    On the preparedness of the command to deal with such issues, Muazu said: “Our men have the ingredients of the Electoral Act. They have been well trained on what is expected of them before, during and after the elections. So when anyone who snatches a ballot box is caught, they will be tried in court and punished according to the law.

    “I want to assure you that the Police in collaboration with other security agencies under the umbrella of Inter-Agency consultative committee on this election is ready come Saturday.

    “A very robust operation order to cover deployment of security personnel for the elections is on ground, so we will ensure there is a safe and secure environment for electorate in Lagos to go and cast their votes without fear and intimidation.”

    He said the command had emplaced an election plan that covers before, during and after the exercise, stating that intelligence arm of security agencies had been deployed to gather evidence in case of prosecution of arrested suspects.

    Confirming recent cult clashes in the state, Muazu assured residents such clashes would not hamper the peace of the polls, adding that arrests have been made and suspects would be prosecuted.

    “In the last two weeks, we have had cases of clashes between rival cult groups in areas like Oworonshoki, Somolu, Bariga and Fadeyi. We are working round the clock to ensure there is peace. We want to assure Lagosians that we will make sure that these few cases we have had will not surface during the election.

    “I want to assure all Lagosians that this year’s elections are going to be well secured and so, they should come out and vote. There will be constant patrols and pin-down patrol points.
    “Arrests have been made in the cases cited and investigations are ongoing. All suspects would be charged to court soon.“

  • Drama as Acting IGP stops Lagos CP hand over

    We work on directives, says Egbetokun

    Reporters waiting for the handing over of the Lagos Police Command Commissioner of Police (CP) office’s paraphernalia by Imohimi Edgal to Acting Commissioner of Police designate, Kayode Egbetokun, witnessed a mild drama on Tuesday at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja GRA.

    The handing over couldn’t hold due to an order from the police headquarters in Abuja.

    Earlier, the reporters were told that the event scheduled for 1:30 pm has been shifted to 3 pm.

    Few minutes past 3 pm, there were jubilations in the Conference Hall where the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and the Area Commanders, waiting for the briefing by the Acting CP, converged.

    Not quite long, Edgal, who briefed the reporters in company with Egbetokun said: “Gentlemen of the press, are you here for the handing over and taking over? Are you here because you like me or you are eager for me to leave? Well, there is a directive that the status quo should remain till further notice.”

    Edgal told reporters that there is no change of guard for now, as he still remains the state Commissioner of Police.

    “I am sure that Kayode Egbetokun is an old timer in the command. Our first job as police is order and directive; we were about concluding the handing over and taking over procedure when we were instructed by our bosses from Abuja to suspend action for now. So, there is no change of guard for now. Of course, we will keep in touch of latest development,” he said.

    He did not entertain any question.

    Egbetokun, who came with his personal effect and his personal staff, left the command, saying: “We are government agents and we are always taking directives.”

    As Edgal was leaving for Abuja to meet with the Acting Inspector-General of Police, (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, there was gunshot salute.

    Read Also: I remain Lagos CP, says Edgal

    The policemen attached to Edgal’s convoy shot four times into the air to celebrate the “good news.”

    Earlier, the car of Egbetokun was parked at CP’s parking lot while Edgal’s car was parked at another place.

    It was gathered that as the duo was having a closed-door meeting, a phone call believed to be from the IGP’s office came in and directed that the handing and taking over should be cancelled till further notice.

    Immediately, after the announcement, Egbetokun’s vehicle was removed from the CP’s parking lot and Edgal’s vehicle replace

  • Extortion: Police arrest SARS operative in Lagos

    The Police Command in Lagos has arrested one Insp. Charles Omotosho, an operative of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for allegedly extorting N5, 000 from a hapless citizen in Ikorodu, near Lagos.

    The Head of Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU) of the command, ACP. Abayomi Shogunle, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    He explained that Omotosho was arrested, following a complaint from a citizen via twitter on May 16.

    Shogunle said that Omotosho forced his victim to make a bank transfer of N5, 000 into his account for an arrest over a flimsy reason.

    He said that in the course of preliminary investigation, a copy of the officer’s statement of bank account was obtained and the amount transferred was discovered.

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    “It has also been established that there was a contact between the officer’s patrol team and the complainant and others at Ikorodu as contained in the complaint.”

    Shogunle said the officer had been removed from front-line police duties and taken into custody.

    The PCRRU head said that the inspector-general of police had ordered immediate commencement of disciplinary action against Omotosho in line with the police Act and other regulations.

    “PCRRU has handed the erring officer to the AIG Zone 2 Command Lagos, together with a print out of his statement of bank account for necessary action, the outcome will be made public soonest,” Shogunle said.

    The PCRRU was established by the police authorities in 2015 with a mandate to receive and resolve cases of professional misconduct brought against officers.

    NAN

  • Militants kill five policemen, two soldiers in Lagos

    Militants kill five policemen, two soldiers in Lagos

    No fewer than five policemen and two soldiers, including an army captain were killed by suspected militants early Sunday morning in Ikorodu Area of Lagos.

    Sources told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the bodies of the victims had been removed.

    The slain Captain was simply identified as Muhammad. There has been no official confirmation of the killings yet.

    NAN gathered that the existing presence of the Joint Task Force called Operation Awatse did not deter the militants from operating in the area they were driven away from about a year ago by members of the same task force.

    NAN also gathered that the militants had struck at Woodland Estate close to Ishawo Creeks and engaged the security personnel, soldiers and the police, in a gun duel.

    “At the end of the gun duel, five policemen and two soldiers were reportedly gunned down by the militants,” the source told NAN.

    It was unclear if there were any casualties on the part of the militants, although security forces were said to have reinforced and stormed the area for reconnaissance and possible counter-action.

    When contacted, the Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP. Olarinde Famous-Cole, said he was still gathering information on the matter adding that a statement would soon be issued.

    Also, the spokesperson of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Olaolu Daudu said that a statement would be released on the incident later.

    NAN recalled that, on March 13, 2017, it reported the return of the militants to the area.

    Residents said they lived in palpable fear.

    The militants, whose stocks in trade are kidnapping and oil theft, were chased out of the area in Aug. 2016 by the Task Force, after several bloody clashes in the community.

    Scores of people were killed during the clashes between militants and residents of Isawo community before the joint military task force was deployed in the area.

    Famous-Cole told NAN in March that the command was re-strategising the security arrangements in the state, including Ikorodu area.

    He said more police patrol teams would be deployed in the area, and urged residents to provide useful information on the activities of the hoodlums.

    The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Fergusson Bobai, told NAN: “I don’t have any report yet to suggest that militants are back in those areas.

    “But Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has approved the return of swamp buggies to open up the creeks in those areas to enable the security forces carry out in-depth patrols.

    The swamp buggy is a motor vehicle used to traverse swampy terrain.

    Buggies are able to move about on dry land, shallow mud, sand, shallow water and deep mud.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Idris Ibrahim, on Aug. 4, 2016 visited Isawo creeks and was briefed about the activities of the militants.

  • Policemen warned to vacate dilapidated barracks 

    Policemen warned to vacate dilapidated barracks 

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone II Kayode Aderanti Tuesday warned police operatives residing in dilapidated barrack buildings to vacate.

    He stated this during a familiarisation visit to the Lagos Police Command at Ikeja.

    Aderanti who reminded police personnel that their lives were valued and services needed by the country, described as unfortunate, the recent building collapse at a Lagos barrack that injured several persons.

    Addressing officers and other ranks, Aderanti admonished them to shun corruption and unprofessional conducts.

    He said: “Policemen living in rickety barracks should vacate those buildings. Most of those structures cannot stand any integrity test.

    “I urge you in your best interest to move out because of your family. When you go to work, you leave them at home and if the building collapses, they will be victims.

    “We have a genuine desire for them to be alive because it’s only the living that can fight crime. Anyone who does not live in police barracks is paid his/her rent allowances.”

    On taming the menace of kidnappers, Aderanti said: “Already, the commissioners of police in Lagos and Ogun States are working in partnership with the inspector general of police’ anti-kidnapping unit.

    “Also, there has been an increase in cultism in Lagos and I charge policemen to take up the responsibility and ensure their effrontery is reduced to the barest minimum.

    “Illegal duty by policemen has reached an alarming proportion and is highly unprofessional. It needs to be nipped in the bud. Some of them operate in unmarked vehicles, harassing people and searching through their phones. That must stop as violators will be severely dealt with.

    “The current Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has zero tolerance for corruption and official misconduct.

    “Whosoever requests money for bail or to register people’s complaints is on his own and they will be tackled appropriately. I warn again, don’t demand gratification from members of the public.

    “You must gather intelligence before going for any operation and not afterwards. There should also be joint intelligence gathering and sharing among the commands.”