Taskforce arrests four suspected traffic robbers in Lagos

Four suspected traffic robbers who specialise in robbing motorists of their belongings during traffic gridlocks at rush hour have been apprehended by Lagos State Taskforce at different spots across the state.

The suspects identified as Ismail Akinlade (26), Rasak Abiodun (25), Adefabi Gbolahan (25), and Rilwan Olaloye (20) were arrested in the Mushin area of Lagos after a series of investigations led officers to their hideout.

Director, Press & Public Affairs of the Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem disclosed in a statement released. He said that the team had been monitoring miscreants who perpetrate their crimes in specific areas of the state.

“These individuals reportedly target distracted motorists, stealing phones, bags, and other valuables from vehicles while distracting their victims.”

One of the suspects, Akinlade in his confession statement said, 

“Whenever I steal, I give the phone to the Number One (now at large) at Mushin, who handles selling our loot. After a while, we return for the cash proceeds, which we spend on drugs and gambling.”

He also revealed that they exploit bad portions of roads to carry out their attacks, preying on motorists who are forced to slow down due to poor road conditions.

Meanwhile, the Agency’s Chairman, Chief Superintendent of Police, Adetayo Akerele remarked that following a series of manhunts and intelligence gathering, officers of the Agency traced a stolen phone to the Idi-Oro axis in Mushin where the suspects were apprehended.

“They have all been interrogated and will be charged to court immediately. I urge others still engaging in such crimes in traffic to desist immediately or risk the same fate as the arrested four,” he warned.