Police arrest three over alleged N50m robbery operations in Lagos
Lagos Police Arrest Three Suspects in Armed Robbery Case
LAGOS — The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three individuals suspected of being involved in a series of armed robbery incidents, including the theft of five vehicles and valuables worth approximately 50 million Nigerian Naira.
Police Commissioner Fatai Tijani announced the arrests on Wednesday during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja. He stated that the suspects, aged between 26 and 31, were apprehended at different locations across Lagos, following intelligence-led operations by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
Investigators have linked the suspects to robbery incidents that occurred on August 23 and September 30 along the Ife Expressway in Osun State. Tijani noted that among the stolen items, a Toyota van with the registration number BDJ 180 AJ, registered in Oyo State, was recovered from the suspects.
The commissioner also indicated that the suspects were implicated in the robbery of a notable traditional ruler in Ondo State. Preliminary investigations suggest that the group stole a bag containing cash belonging to the traditional ruler after noticing his vehicle parked by the roadside. One of the suspects, a 32-year-old ex-convict, detailed the robbery, claiming ignorance of the stolen bag’s presence in their vehicle until informed by the police.
“I did not know that such a thing was inside the vehicle. It was when the police told me that I discovered that the king’s money was inside,” he said during questioning.
The suspect explained his involvement with the gang was motivated by a desire for money to start a business, adding that he had previously been engaged in the sale of machine spare parts. Expressing remorse, he affirmed his intention to refrain from criminal activity in the future.
The suspects have provided confessions and are currently aiding police efforts to recover additional stolen vehicles, apprehend further accomplices, and locate weapons possibly used in these incidents. Investigations are ongoing to fully ascertain their involvement and further recover stolen items.
