Tag: Lagos police

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed allegations that it unlawfully detained a suspect for six weeks without a court order.

The command also refuted claims of rights abuses and torture leveled against it by a lawyer, Bayo Akinlade, who alleged in a social media post that the Tactical Squad at Second Rainbow, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway had kept a suspect, Nosiru Owolabi, in custody without a warrant while denying him access to his family and legal representation.

Akinlade further accused the squad of oppressing citizens by arbitrarily detaining individuals at the discretion of its commander.

However, in a swift response, the police command clarified that Owolabi, who was arrested on January 25 for his alleged involvement in multiple armed robberies, kidnappings, and murder, is being held under a valid court order.

Confirming this in a statement on Sunday, Command Spokesman CSP Benjamin Hundeyin stated that Owolabi had been on the police wanted list before his arrest.

“The suspect was arrested because of his direct involvement in several armed robberies, murders, violence and cultism related cases in some areas in Lagos. 

“The suspect has been on the police wanted list for various capital and serious offenses, such as armed robberies, multiple kidnappings and violent crimes. These raised significant public safety and security concerns, and fear. 

“Following the execution of a valid search warrant after his arrest, two firearms were recovered from his possession.

“It’s pertinent to point out that the detention of the suspect was carried out in compliance with a valid court order, which granted the police the authority to detain him for an extended period. The primary purpose of this detention was to facilitate a thorough and discreet investigation in the case, arrest more suspects linked to the crimes committed by the principal suspect with his cohorts and syndicates. And also recover additional firearms and weapons the suspect confessed are in his possession. 

“These weapons if not recovered are certainly a great danger to all law abiding citizens and could pose a serious threat to public safety and security.

“It’s incumbent on us to educate you that detention is not a punishment, but criminal legal procedures to ensure that whoever is accused of any offense have their day in court,” said the command.

Continuing the police said Owolabi’s detention was not done arbitrarily and was aimed at safeguarding law, order and public safety, as well as the need to recover additional dangerous items in his possession.

It said Owolabi’s rights have been respected throughout his detention, adding that he wife paid him regular visits.

“His wife visited him regularly, and appropriate measures were taken to know that his well-being is properly taken care of. 

 “It is also important to state that the community he resides has expressed strong support for the arrest by the police because of them recognizing the importance of removing a dangerous individual from the streets.                             

“Members of the public are hereby encouraged to promptly engage with the Police Public Relations Officer or the Complaint Response Unit whenever they have complaints against police action and inaction to ensure quick resolution of these complaints. 

“Permit me to assure the public that the Lagos State Police Command under CP Olohundare Jimoh is committed to upholding the law, while ensuring that the rights of all individuals, including those in custody, are respected and upheld,” said Hundeyin.

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.

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“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.

Operatives of the Lagos Police Command have arrested a suspected cult leader, Christian Chukwudi, 35, alias Marshal General over the murder of a Disc Jockey (DJ).

The deceased identified as Victor Dickson, 32, was shot by assailants while performing on stage at a hotel in Abule-Ado area of the state on Saturday night.

His assailants, suspected to be members of a cult group, were said to have also used matchet on Dickson before fleeing the hotel located along Community Road.

The incident which occurred around 9pm, was said to have caused commotion at the hotel as seekers scampered to safety.

It was gathered that police operatives who responded to a distress call, chased the suspects but they fled through FESTAC Town.

However, Chukwudi was said to have been arrested with the help of FESTAC vigilantes while he was trying to escape.
According to the police, the suspect, a notorious armed robber and cultist, had terrorised the area for sometime.

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Confirming the suspect’s arrest, police spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said a locally made shot gun with one line cartridge was recovered from him.

He said one love cartridge was also recovered from the scene of the crime, adding that the victim was rushed to the hospital where he later died.

Hundeyin also confirmed the arrest of another suspected notorious cultist, Ibrahim Toheeb, 26, alias Baales, by operatives attached to Iju division.

He said the suspect was apprehended at about 7am on Saturday during a stop and search operation at Fagba Junction.

According to the PPRO, Toheeb had been on the wanted list of the police for cult related killings, adding that wraps of suspected drugs were recovered from him.

Hundeyin said investigations were ongoing on the cases, adding that necessary actions would be taken at the conclusion of police investigation.

• We are investigating the matter – Police

The death of a Lagos resident identified as Temitope Oyetade who was chased by policemen from the Area P Command of the state has sparked outrage.

It was learnt that the deceased was stopped by police officers in mufti while he was on a bike heading to Oshodi from Ayobo on Wednesday morning.

The police officers searched the deceased, and allegedly accused him of being an internet fraudster.

In spite of his insistence that he was not a “yahoo boy,” the police allegedly brutalised him, cocked their guns, and chased him.

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In a desperate bid to escape, the deceased ran and fell into a canal. He was later brought out and taken to a nearby hospital where he was diagnosed with several head injuries and placed on oxygen.

The deceased was referred to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he passed on yesterday.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the policemen, seeing that the victim had fallen into the canal, took his money and his footwear and fled the scene when people started raising the alarm.

A friend of the deceased’s wife, Betty Omowunmi, narrated the tragic incident on X (formerly Twitter).

She said: “Yesterday morning, police chased my friend’s husband till he fell into the canal. They took his slippers and money that fell and left when people started shouting. This happened at Federal Bus Stop, Ipaja Ayobo axis.

“The officers were on mufti. They stopped him on bike, the bike man left. They searched him insisting he is a yahoo boy cos of his tattoos and started cocking their guns that they will shoot him, he started moving away saying he’s not and they started following him till he ran. He has given up! Yet to tell the wife as of now.

“All hands have been on deck to make sure the man survived which was why follow up at the station was not done. There are eye witnesses on this platform that saw the incident unfold.

“Thanks to some eye witnesses that have been able to point out two from the officers and cooperation of their dpo, they have been taken and detained at Area M where the Area commander is.

“He is dead. As of this afternoon, two amongst the officers have been detained at panti.”

Reacting, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) said: “Since we saw this video, we have been making concerted efforts to verify this claim but nothing has turned up yet. We have checked our records and no report has been made till now of this incident that the narrator explained happened yesterday.

“Nonetheless, our investigation is ongoing. The Area Commander covering that entire axis is personally on it. Anyone with additional and useful information should please reach out to us. We will keep the public updated on our findings.”

The Police Command in Lagos State says it has detained a 25-year old-man, Chibunnma Chimelie, who allegedly stabbed his 68-year-old father to death.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

He said that the incident happened on Thursday at 10 pm in the Isolo area of the state.

Hundeyin said that the suspect’s brother reported the incident to Aswani Police Divisional Station.

“The complainant said that he received a phone call from his father’s neighbor that his father was having a misunderstanding with the suspect, who lives with his father in the same house.

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“He rushed down to his father’s house, where he met his lifeless body in a pool of blood,” he said.

Hundeyin said that the police stormed the scene and apprehended the suspect.

“A team of investigators visited the scene and recovered a knife with bloodstains lying near the body.

“Photographs were taken and the victim was rushed to General Hospital, Isolo, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor.

“The corpse has been deposited at General Hospital Mortuary, Isolo. The suspect confessed to the crime,” Hundeyin said.

He said investigation was ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 98 individuals involved in various crimes ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism to drug trafficking. 

The state Commissioner of Police, Ishola Olanrewaju, announced this yesterday at news conference at the Command headquarters in Ikeja.

The arrests were made between September 17 and 24.

“We have successfully cracked several cases and brought to book suspects involved in crimes such as robbery, cultism, and kidnapping,” Olanrewaju said.

He noted that during the operations, a range of items were recovered, including 10 firearms, 41 rounds of live ammunition, 12 phones, 39 bags of cement, a ton of rods, various hard drugs, and charms.

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One of the notable arrests involved a group of suspected armed robbers, identified as Godwin Chukwuebuka and Solomon Balogun, 23 years old. The suspects were apprehended in the Ikotun area on September 20. Officers recovered an AK-47 rifle with three rounds of ammunition, and two local double-barrel guns.

Another high-profile case involved the rescue of a 21-year-old woman who had been kidnapped in Badagry. The suspects involved in the kidnap case, Hassan Samson, 35, Nnemka Chibike, 26, and Segun Akinyola, 32, were arrested, and the victim was freed after a failed attempt to demand a ransom of N10 million.

The police also apprehended three men: Desmond Emeka, 28, Kingsley Izoronwu, 37, and Sheriff Olusunmoadi, 25, on September 22. The suspects had targeted female passengers at night with local pistols, six cartridges, and 12 iPhones.

Olanrewaju further said a case involving a ‘one-chance’ robbery syndicate in Oyingbo. Four suspects were arrested at a hotel in Ajegunle after robbing a victim and transferring N5.6 million from their accounts. Recovered items included a local pistol, a PoS terminal, and the gang’s operational bus.

Several arrests linked to cultism were made with the police netting multiple individuals suspected of engaging in cult-related killings across the state. A raid in Ikorodu led to the arrest of two suspects, Hassan Ibrahim, 24, and Quadri Lasisi, 22, with a Beretta pistol and 24 live cartridges in their possession.

A separate operation in Ajegunle resulted in the arrest of two notorious cultists, Odunola Oluwaseyi and Ayobami Fashola, both aged 27, alongside Mustafa Lawal, 23. Two local pistols were recovered.

Olanrewaju also highlighted the arrest of suspects involved in the illegal sales of firearms. Three individuals, including Oliver Okechukwu, 29, were arrested in connection with the sale of over 350 firearms under the guise of a logistics company.

In several operations targeting drug trafficking, the police arrested individuals found in possession of substantial quantities of hard drugs, including cocaine and substances suspected to be Indian hemp. One arrest on September 18 in the Ojo area involved the seizure of 120 wraps of cocaine.

Olanrewaju reiterated his commitment to reducing crime in Lagos State. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the police and the public, urging residents to report suspicious activities.

“Security is everyone’s business. We urge you to give us your support and say something when you see something,” he stated.

The suspects will face prosecution after investigations are concluded, Olanrewaju confirmed.

Police operatives in Lagos have arrested a 30-year-old scavenger, Abubakar Suleiman, for allegedly kidnapping a motorist.

Suleiman, along with an accomplice known as Blackey, who is currently at large, reportedly abducted their victim from Gbagada and were en route to the Ajah-Epe area when the police were alerted and intervened.

The Nation gathered that the suspect who engaged in scavenging at the Gbadaga dumpsite during the day and also lived there, was apprehended around 2 am on August 24, at Obadore Bridge, Ajah.

Their cover was blown after residents spotted the victim’s car, an ashen Pontiac, on the bridge with two young men inside at that late hour and notified the police.

Police operatives from Ajah were mobilised to the scene and Suleiman was nabbed while the other suspect fled with the victim.

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Contacted for reaction, police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin said the suspect admitted before detectives that they kidnapped the victim at Gbagada, adding that an investigation was ongoing on the matter.

Hundeyin also confirmed the recovery of a man suspected to have been murdered and abandoned around along the FESTAC/Satellite Link Bridge.

It was gathered that the victim was found gagged around 5 pm last Saturday.

“There was no means of identification on him but the body had a jean and a tee-shirt on. The hands and neck were tied with rope,” he said.