Good morning Gentlemen of the Press and thank you for coming. With the partial easing of the lockdown by Government last month, the usual hustle and bustle associated with the commercial hub of the nation, are fast returning. The Command therefore, redoubled its efforts in protecting the lives and properties of Lagosians and at the same time enforcing the laws emplaced to curtail the spread of COVID-19 and other criminal activities.
- Within the last one month, the Command arrested 41 armed robbery suspects and successfully foiled 28 armed robbery attempts. 1 armed robbery suspect died during exchange of fire with the Police. 195 suspects were arrested for cultism. 4 suspects were arrested for kidnapping and 52 suspects were arrested for murder. The state recorded 6 cases of suicide and prevented 4 suicide attempts. 19 assorted firearms with lots of ammunition of different calibre, along with cutlasses, axes, other dangerous weapons and criminal charms were recovered. The Command also recovered 6 stolen vehicles. In our quest to rid the State off illicit drugs, our surveillance teams intercepted 328 bags of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp (cannabis sativa) and other illicit drugs. 9 suspected fraudsters that specialize in duping peoplewith fake US dollar currencies (wash-wash) were arrested with their so called black boxes and operational vehicles.
In sustaining the war against rapists, the Command has in the last one month arrested 30 suspects for rape and defilement. 23 suspects were arrested for domestic violence and two suspects for child abuse. - On COVID-19 enforcement, the Command has successfully arrested 3,375 violators. Out of the number 2,600 were arrested for violating curfew, 208 arrested for not wearing face mask, 90 arrested for not maintaining social distance and 477 arrested for interstates travel. 1,506 vehicles were impounded, which include 210 vehicles intercepted for interstates travel. 1,858 motorcycles and 156 tricycles were also impounded.
- Below are summary of some of the modest achievements recorded in the last one month:
Arrest of the serial rapist and armed robbery suspect
On 16/6/2020 at about 1355hrs, some female staff and a male staff of a particular company reported at Sabo Police Station that earlier in the day while on duty at the Company, one Adeniyi Ajayi alias Ogologo ‘m’ 27 years old forcefully gained entrance into the Company building. The suspect claimed to be in company of other members of his gang outside the premises. He tied the hands and legs of the staff and robbed them of their four phones, two laptops and ATM card. He sexually harassed the female staff. The suspect was arrested in a hotel at Ijora Badia by SARS operatives. The stolen phones were recovered from him. It was revealed that the suspect operates alone. He was recently released from prison custody. He equally confessed to series of robbery and rape he single handedly committed around Sabo and its environs. In the cause of investigation, more than eight female victims/survivors affirmed that the suspect, in the recent time robbed and raped them, even in the presence of their husbands and other family members. The suspect specializes in robbing victims of phones, laptops, gold jewelries and raping female victims. He will be charged to Court.
Man, 47 arrested for defiling his 10 years old daughter at Ijanikin
On 29/06/2020 at about 1105 hours, a 10 year old girl (name withheld) of Olorunshogo Street, Pako Ijanikin reported at Ijanikin Police Station that her father one John Jester Gamoju ‘m’ 47 years of same address have been having sexual intercourse with her since 2019. The suspect was arrested by operatives from Gender Unit while the survivor was taken to hospital for medical treatment and forensic examination. The suspect will be charged to Court.
Man, 40 arrested for defiling his neighbour’s 11 years old daughter in Bariga
On 25/06/2020 at about 1630 hours, a 35 years old woman (name withheld) reported at Bariga Police Station, that her 11 years old daughter (name withheld) was defiled by her neighbor, Imoh Edet ‘m’ 40 years old of Oyekainle Street, Bariga. That whenever the suspect wants to have sexual intercourse with the survivor, he will call her out to his room, under the guise of sending her on an errand. The suspect was arrested by operatives from Bariga. He confessed having sexual intercourse with the minor up to six times. The survivor was taken to hospital for medical attention and forensic examination. The suspect will be charged to Court.
Arrest of 4 Traffic robbery suspects and recovery of 36 stolen phones
On 29th June, 2020 following a credible intelligence, operatives from Area B Command, Apapa arrested one chima Christopher ‘m’ 25years old of Aiyemiru Street, Okoyo old Ojo road, Olodi Apapa. The suspect specialize in robbing people of their phones during traffic gridlock. Investigation was extended to Big Ben Hotel off old Ojo road Apapa where three additional suspects were arrested. They are Azeez Sulaimon 24 years old; Shakiru Oke 25 years old; and Yusuf Ganiu 25 years old. They were arrested with 36 different brand of phones suspected to have been stolen from different victims around Mile 2, Oshodi, Ijora ,Case Way, Eko bridge and environs. The suspects will be charged to Court.
Arrest of five fraudsters at Area B Apapa and recovery of vehicles and fake currencies
On the 12/06/2020, One Mariam Balogun ‘f’ of Kano Street Èbúté Metta complained at Area B Command Apapa that, she boarded a vehicle from Costain to Orílẹ̀ Bus Stop, with three men already in the vehicle. On getting to Eric Moore Bridge, one of the passengers said he wanted to alight. He started a discussion that he has a bag containing huge amounts of money but charms were placed on top of the money. That he needs an herbalist or pastor to pray for the money. The vehicle suddenly diverted to ‘White Sand’ area, railway lane Ijora Badia where she was scammed of the sum of One hundred and Fifty five thousand naira. An oath was administered on her against her will with a water in a calabash taken by all the passengers. Five suspects were arrested. They are Olasupo Olasehinde 52 years old ‘m’; Abayomi Omoleye 51 years old ‘m’; Unde Olaore 56 years old ‘m’; Folajimi Akinnawo 45 years old ‘m’; and Abiodun Adedayo ‘m’ 48 years old. Two more victims, Balikis Fasasi f’ and Taiwo Salami f’ were rescued. One old briefcase containing counterfeit United States Dollars arranged in bundles of cut to size paper with fake dollars on top and beneath each bundle, and charms were recovered. Three vehicles used to perpetuate the crime were recovered: (a) Toyota Camry with Registration number AGI – 916 – FU (b) Red Volkswagen Golf with Registration number JJJ – 890 – DD and (c) Old model Toyota Camry with Registration number MUS- 925- FQ white in color. The sum of one hundred and fifty five thousand naira cash was recovered from the suspects. Two different gangs operating in similar manner were arrested at Ogba by operatives of Area G Command.
Arrest of nine cultists in a viral video killing a rival cult member
Sometime in May, 2020, a video went viral on social media showing some hoodlums suspected to be cultists interrogating and eventually killed a young man also suspected to be a cultist at Odogunyan area of Ikorodu. The IGP directed that the perpetrators of the heinous crime be fished-out and prosecuted. Therefore, SARS operatives arrested one of the suspects named Francis Diamond ‘m’ a.k.a iron man. He confessed to be among the suspects and that he was the one who recorded the video showing the killing of the young man. Eight other members of the gang were arrested. They are: Olaitan Apanpa ‘m’ a.k.a Emir/Armoured Tank, 31 years old; Chidi Michael ‘m’ a.k.a Jaaru, 25 years old; Eno Sunday ‘m’ a.k.a Covenant, 25 years old; Saheed Gbadebo ‘m’ a.k.a Sambo, 23 years old; Adepeju Azeez ‘m’ a.k.a Aboki, 38 years old; Samuel Ilesanmi ‘m’ a.k.a Baba Obo, Omotosho Quadri ‘m’ 25 years old; and Moses Ogungbe ‘m’ 28 years old. It was revealed that Olaitan Apanpa ‘m’ a.k.a Emir/Armoured Tank pulled the trigger that killed the victim. The suspects are members of Eiye Confraternity and they said the reason for killing the victim was that he participated in the killing of one of their leaders at the University of Ibadan early this year. It was equally revealed that the suspects are serial killers of rival cult members in Ikorodu and its environs, especially Saheed Gbadebo ‘m’ who single handedly killed two victims at Bayekun Street, Ikorodu and five (5) persons at Ajah. The suspects will be charged to Court.
Arrest of five kidnappers and rescue of kidnapped victim
On 09/05/2020, Epe Police Station received a complaint that, one Salisu Mohammed ‘m’ 17 years old was kidnapped and taken to unknown destination by a group of kidnappers, numbering about five, while he was sleeping at the cattle rearing center Epe. The kidnappers established contact with the family and demanded the sum of #10,000,000,00 as ransom. The Command’s Anti-kidnapping team was promptly deployed to Epe. The victim was rescued unhurt on the 13/05/2020, inside a tick forest within Epe without payment of ransom. All the suspects were arrested. They are Umaru Abdullahi ‘m’; Majuba Mohammed ‘m’; Aliyu Alhamajo ‘m’; Mohammed Umaru ‘m’; and Shehu Malami ‘m’. They confessed to the commission of the crime.
Arrest of two syndicates of fraudsters in Ogba
On 23/06/2020 at about 1620hrs a case of attempt to commit felony to wit obtaining with false pretence was reported at Area G Ogba by one Temitope Odunsi “f” of Bashorun Street Dopemu, that about 0745hrs she boarded a Toyota Camry cab with registration number LSR 998 DP from Baale Bus Stop, Dopemu Agege going to Ikeja and there were two other persons apart from the driver. That the driver one junior osuagwu “m” diverted to an unknown direction. She raised an alarm and some Mobile Police Officers attached to Wema Bank Plc Adealu Bus Stop pursued the vehicle and apprehended the suspects. Investigation led to the arrest of a second syndicate.
Arrest of 4 armed robbery suspects, recovery of firearms and stolen vehicle
On the 5/6/2020 at about 0720hrs, information received from a credible source revealed that some armed robbers were sighted around Igbogbo area of Ikorodu robbing motorists and other unsuspecting victims of their valuables. Upon the receipt of the information, SARS operatives, Ipakodo Base mobilized to the area and arrested one Solanke kehinde and recovered an unregistered Toyota Camry Saloon Car 2010 model. During interrogation, he claimed that he bought the said car from gang of armed robbers who live around Agege area of Lagos. He led the operatives to arrest three (3) of the armed robbery suspects namely; Wale Owoeye ‘m’ 29 years old; Samuel Akinlagun ‘m’ 23 years old; and Rashidi Ayoola ‘m’ 28 years old. Items recovered from them include a cut to size double barrel gun with five live cartridges. The suspects will be charged to Court.
Arrest of two cult members/armed robbery suspects and recovery of firearms
On the 18/6/2020 at about 1200hrs, information received from a credible source revealed that some armed men were sighted holding unlawful meeting around Ginti area of Ijede/Ikorodu Lagos. On receipt of the information, SARS operatives, Ipakodo base swiftly mobilized to the scene. On sighting the operatives, the armed men opened fire at them. The operatives engaged them and succeeded in arresting two of the suspects namely; Seun Alabi ‘m’ 30 years old and Rilwan Yesufu ‘m’ 27 years old. One cut to size locally made pistol with three live cartridges, cutlass and criminal charms were recovered from them. It was revealed that the suspects are both cultists and robbers terrorizing residents of Ijede/Ikorodu and its environs. The suspects will be charged to Court.
Three suspects arrested for ‘one chance’ robbery
On the 14/5/2020 at about 0700hrs, a credible information was received that some robbers who operates with Volkswagen Vanagon bus, Lagos commercial colour, popularly known as “One Chance” were sighted at second rainbow, Mile 2 area of Lagos, robbing unsuspecting victims “passengers” of their phones and other valuable items. Upon the receipt of the information, SARS operatives, Ipakodo base swung into action and arrested three (3) of the suspects namely Nurudeen Mustapha ‘m’ 36 years old; Akan Udoh ‘m’ 39 years old; and Paul Olisel ‘m’ 31 years old. Their Volkswagen Vanagon bus with Reg. No. SMK 367 XR was recovered. An iphone 6 plus and Pano Spark phone robbed from the victims were also recovered from them. It was revealed that the suspects have no permanent address as they sleep from one Hotel to the other.
Arrest of 5 traffic robbery suspects and recovery of firearms
On the 22/5/2020 at about 2041hrs, information was received from a credible source that some armed robbers were sighted at Johnson bus stop, Itire, dispossessing workers who were returning from work of their phones, money and other valuables. On the receipt of the information, operatives from Itire police station and SARS were mobilized to the scene. Five suspects were arrested namely: Opeyemi Ayoola ‘m’ 18 years old; Segun Oladokun ‘m’ 28 years old; Oluwasegun Ajaoyin ‘m’ 22 years old; Nathaniel Sunday Achadu ‘m’ 30 years old; and Jimoh Qudus ‘m’ 20 years old. Items recovered from them includes, one cut to size locally made pistol with four live cartridges, one expended cartridge, two cutlasses and a hammer.
Arrest of 4 armed robbery suspects
On the 12/6/2020 at about 2221hrs, information was received from a reliable source that some group of robbers were sighted opposite Mayfair garden area of Awoyaya, Ibeju-Lekki, robbing residents of the area of their valuables. Sequel to the information, operatives from Elemoro Division and SARS swiftly mobilized to the scene. On sighting the operatives, the robbers started firing sporadically but the operatives engaged them. Four suspects were arrested. They are Rasheed Odetola ‘m’ 24 years old; John Zion ‘m’ 22 years old; Damilare Salami ‘m’ 20 years old; and Adeboye Dayo ‘m’ 25 years old. They confessed to be among the robbers recently terrorizing resident of Awoyaya and its environs. Items recovered from them includes a cut to size locally made pistol with four live cartridges and one Tecno phone snatched from a victim.
Arrest of 4 suspects for ‘one chance’ robbery
On the 30/5/2020 at about 2000hrs, a credible information was received that a Hyundai Electra vehicle with Reg. No. LND 159 FQ was seen, driving around Ajah area of Lagos with four occupants, suspected to be armed robbers, popularly known as “ONE CHANCE”. On the receipt of the information, police operatives were drafted to painstakingly monitor the movement of the said vehicle. The exercise paid-off as the vehicle was shortly arrested with four occupants known as “ONE CHANCE” with a victim. The suspects are Valentino Andrew ‘m’ 35 years old; Idoko Michael ‘m’ 32 years old; Adesoji Oluwafemi ‘m’ 36 years old; and Onwudiwe Tony ‘m’ 29 years old. It was revealed that, the suspects picked-up the victim as passenger and on their way going, they brought out a hammer and robbed him of his phone, laptops, cash and Atm. They were at the verge of dropping him off the road side before they met their waterloo. Items recovered from the suspects include a Hyundai Electro vehicle with Reg. No. LND 159 FQ, jack, hammer, military cap and four phones they snatched from some victims.
Arrest of armed robbery suspect and recovery of firearms
On the 2/6/2020 at 2030hrs, information was received from a credible source that some armed robbers were sighted along Akinlomide Street, Ijegun, satellite town Lagos, robbing shop owners of their valuables such as phones, cash, etc. Upon the receipt of the information, operatives from Satellite police station and SARS swung into action and mobilized to the scene where they arrested the ring leader, Udenwa Ifeanyi ‘m’ 30 years old. He confessed that his gang has been terrorizing resident of satellite town and its environs. Items recovered from him include a cut to size triple made gun and four live cartridges. Operatives are on the trail of his gang members.
Arrest of two armed robbery suspects
On the 29/5/2020 at about 0120hrs, SARS operatives, Ajegunle base, Lagos received a distress call that some armed robbers have besieged Ayelaro area of Ajegunle, robbing residents of the valuables. On the receipt of the information, the operatives swiftly mobilized to the scene. Two suspects were arrested, namely: Johnson Frank ‘m’ 23 years old and Rasheed Sulaimon ‘m’ 21 years old. Two cutlasses and knives were recovered from them.
Arrest of 7 notorious cult members and gangsters
On the 21/5/2020 at about 1500hrs, information was received from a reliable source that some group of armed cultists were seen at Ijora Badia under the bridge, brandishing arms, damaging vehicles and robbing passer-by on sight. Upon the receipt of the information, SARS operatives swung into action and mobilized to the scene and arrested the following suspects Saheed Idris ‘m’ 28 years old; Sunday Ifelowo ‘m’ 28 years old Adams Babatunde ‘m’ 32 years old; Akeem Ajibola ‘m’ 32 years old; Jamiu Balogun ‘m’ 24 years old; Sodiq Balogun ‘m’ 22 years old; and Muritala Ibrahim ‘m’ 22 years old. It was revealed that the suspects belong to Aiye and Eiye confraternities. They are responsible for recent attacks on the resident of Ijora/Ajegunle.
Arrest of 3 gangsters in Ajengule
On the 20/3/2020 at about 1915hrs, a credible information was received by SARS operatives, Ajegunle base that some group of gangsters were seen robbing resident of Ifelodun area of Ajegunle of their valuables. Upon the receipt of the information, the operatives swung into action and mobilized to the area. Three suspects were arrested namely Jamiu Wasiu ‘m’ 19 years old; Idris Azeez ‘m’ 19 years old; and Abraham Umoh ‘m’ 19 years old while ten (10) cutlasses were recovered. The suspects confessed to be among the criminal gangs terrorizing Ajegunle and its environs.
Arrest of two notorious cult members and recovery of firearms
On the 4/6/2020 at about 1630hrs, an information was received that some group of boys were sighted at Oke-Suna area of Lagos Island brandishing arm, preparing to either rob or attack unsuspecting victims. Upon the receipt of the information, police operatives swiftly mobilized to the scene and arrested two of the suspects while others escaped. Items recovered from them include one cut to size locally made pistol with two live cartridges. The suspects are Adeyemi Olanrewaju ‘m’ 25 years old and Lukman Seun ‘m’ 25 years old. They confessed to be member of “AIYE” confraternity. They said they bought the gun from one Raimi now late at the rate of Twenty-five thousand Naira (N25, 000.00) for cult activities. It was revealed that the suspects were preparing to fight rival cult group at Lagos Island before they were arrested.
Arrest of 11 notorious cultists
On the 24/5/2020 at about 1500hrs, there was a violent fight between rival cult members of Feemen, Kadara and Markets Streets of Denton area of Lagos State. The following day 25/5/2020, the fight snowballed into an uncontrollable stage where weapons such as battle axe, bottles, cutlasses and knives were freely used to attack and injured each other. On the strength of the report, the operatives from Denton Police Station and SARS swiftly mobilized to the scene. The following suspects/cult members were arrested: Ibrahim Yahaya ‘m’ 36 years old; John Olorunwa ‘m’ 23 years old; Ayo Ogunshe ‘m’ 17 years old; Rilwan Fukunle ‘m’ 21 years old; Fatai Akanbi ‘m’ 22 years old; Muiz Sanusi ‘m’ 21 years old; Kazeem Fatai ‘m’ 23 years old; Samuel Adeyemi ‘m’ 26 years old; Khalifa Babatunde ‘m’ 27 years old; Kehinde Oladapo ‘m’ 23 years old; and Mubarak Alate ‘m’ 23 years old. Matchets, Axes and knives were recovered from them. The suspects confessed to be members of Aiye and Eiye confraternities. They confessed to be engaged in supremacy battle.
Arrest of 4 cult members
On the 21/5/2020 at about 2100hrs, it was reported that some armed cultists were seen converging at Igbogbo area of Ikorodu, planning to attack and maim rival cult groups at Ikorodu. Upon the receipt of the information, operatives from Igbogbo Division and SARS Ipakodo jointly mobilized to the area and arrested the following suspects/cult members Anuolapo Mogaji ‘m’ 26 years old; Samson Isaac ‘m’ 30 years old; Tobi Daniel ‘m’ 21 years old and Adesanya Ganiu ‘m’ 20 years old. They confessed to be members of Aiye confraternity terrorizing residents of Ikorodu and its environs.
Suspect arrested for Impersonation and Traffic robbery
On 29/06/2020 at about 0400 hours, Tolu Division received a distress call that one Abu Bishop ‘m’ of Oluwa Street Tolu, in military camouflage singlet was arrested for robbery and about to be lynched at JMJ quarters. The suspect was rescued by Anti robbery team and he confessed to be a leader of a criminal gang using military uniforms to rob unsuspecting members of the public around Anthony and Maryland areas. A set of Army uniform, booth, camouflage bag and jack knife were recovered from him. He has never been in the military before, he was only impersonating.
Once again, thank you and God bless you.