By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
No fewer than 32 suspects were yesterday, paraded by the Lagos Police Command over their alleged involvement in sundry criminal activities, including two illegal fabricators of firearms.
A total number of 25 firearms, including a toy gun, 74 live cartridges, 12 expended cartridges, 12 long pipes, two drilling machines, one gas cylinder, one vehicle, other fabricated tools, two daggers, one UTC axe, various charms and 251 adulterated wires said said to have been recovered from them.
The Lagos State Police Command Spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who paraded the suspects on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Idowu Owohunwa on the achievements of the Command in the last one month, hinted that the suspects engaged in varying crimes such as armed robbery, stealing, cultism, fabrication of firearms, adulteration of products amongst others.
While giving a breakdown of the activities of the suspects, Hundeyin said the gun runner, one Musiliu Gbenga, 21 and Owolabi Azeez, 22 were arrested at their factory located at Idata Village of Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos on 11th September, 2023 following intelligence report at about 4.00pm.
He disclosed that the suspects are blacksmith, but fabricate firearms for onward sales.
Speaking further, Hundeyin disclosed that 15 out of the suspects were arrested for alleged involvement in armed robbery, cultism, possession of illegal firearms and other dangerous weapons.
The police image maker disclosed that a notorious wanted deadly cultist, Identified as Ganiyu Yusuf, (a.k.a Skipo), who was involved in the killing of a rival cultist was arrested on 11 October,2023 at about 11.45pm in a hideout in Yaba area of the state, I’m possession of two .9mm ammunition.
According to him, ” Further investigation led to the arrest of Ikuologbon Tobi (aka Iku), 23, Salaudeen Azeez (aka Suzzy), 27, Sanni Jamiu (aka J-boy), 26, Ganiu Muideen (aka Stone), 23, Odinaka Ojiakor, 26 and Farouk Muibi aka Ozil, 22 in different areas of the state in possession of two locally made single barrel guns, one double barrel shot gun, three live cartridges, one dagger and different charms.
Investigation revealed that they are all cult members.
” On September 1, 2023, at about 11.00pm, operatives of the Command arrested one Lukmon Jimoh ‘m’ aged 35 and Chukwuemeka Okwasilieze ‘m’ aged 28 who were seen loitering around Ibeju-Lekki. One locally-made pistol, one toy pistol, one cartridge, one dagger, one UTC axe were recovered from them. They are suspected members of a one chance gang.
” Operatives of the Command arrested two suspected cultists namely Omotosho Olanrewaju ‘m’ aged 27 and Alabi Damilare ‘m’ aged 20. Similarly, on October 8, 2023, one Quadri Fawas ‘m’ aged 18 was arrested. Investigation revealed the suspects to be members of a cult group.
” On October 6, 2023, one Modile Juwon aka Number two ‘m’ aged 35 was arrested. Investigation revealed him to be the second in command of a cult group operating and terrorizing Grammar school area of Ikorodu.
” On September 18, 2023, at about 1430hrs, operatives of the Command arrested one Ogbonna Eze ‘m’ aged 27 who disguised himself as a dispatch rider to vandalize vehicles by removing brain boxes and other parts.
” On October 15, 2023, operatives of the Command arrested one Izuchukwu Madu ‘m’ aged 39, Chidozie Ilekoroneje ‘m’ aged 34, Alabi Sodiq ‘m’ aged 40, Hycient Ikechukwu ‘m’ aged 40 and Felix Asogba ‘m’ aged 27 who are responsible for stealing a Cherokee jeep, disassembling it and selling its part at a local spare part market.
” On September 5, 2023, at about 1.30pm, based on receipt of complaints from a reputable electricity cable manufacturer on the adulteration and sales of pirated cables using their company’s trademark by some traders in Alaba Market. Operatives of the Command stormed the area and arrested one Emmanuel Chukwuma ‘m’ aged 19, Chima Alajemba ‘m’ aged 19, Ogbenna Franklin ‘m’ aged 42 and Chidi Nnaji ‘m’ aged 42 with a total of 251 adulterated wires.
” On October 2, 2023, at about 2.30pm, after receipt of complaint from a hotel against some men in full military uniform harassing, intimidating and extorting members of the public, operatives of the Command arrested one Chukwuka Ndo ‘m’ aged 29 while others fled upon sighting the police”.
Hundeyin said all the suspects would be arraigned at the conclusion of investigation.
Meanwhile, the Command has called on all residents who are in possession of arms and ammunition illegally to hand them over to the command.
Hundeyin said the call is in compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Egbetokun that all Commands should mop up arms and ammunitions in the hands of non-state actors within their respective jurisdictions.
” The Lagos State Police Command hereby calls on all persons having illegal possession of arms and ammunition to come forward and submit them without getting arrested or prosecuted.
“Meanwhile the Command will continue the clampdown on the illegal fabrication, sales, possession, and use of prohibited firearms in the state”, the Police Spokesperson vowed.
