Thirteen (13) suspects have been arrested in connection with traffic robberies around the Old Toll Gate and Ojota areas of Lagos State, and are undergoing investigation at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Thursday, said the 13 suspects were transferred to the SCIID on the orders of the state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, adding that the suspects were arrested by men of the Rapid Response Squad.
He identified them as Akeredola Taiwo, 33; Oriyomi Solola, 28; Olanrewaju Sikiru, 25; Hakeem Ridwan, 22; Joseph Ovie, 33; Muhammadu Aminu, 32; and Monday Nweke, 35.
Others are Emmanuel Anthony, 24; Onyeka Muoghara, 40; Salaudeen Rilwan, 32; Kayode Dele, 31; Silas Manner, 27; and Favour Elijah, 26.
“Some of the suspects were caught red-handed while taking drugs in their hideouts and they were actually fingered and recognised by residents and eyewitnesses to have been involved in some of the previous traffic robberies and other crimes being perpetrated in the areas,” Adejobi added.
In another development, a bakery owner, Eniola Lucas, escaped death by a whisker when two members of her staff, Emmanuel Dolapo and Jamiu Alabi, allegedly connived with one Segun Salawu to rob her of her valuables at her house in the Ijegun-Egba area of Satellite Town, Lagos State.
Sources in the community said that Dolapo and Jamiu were on leave for the Yuletide in their hometown in Ibadan, Oyo State, where they allegedly hatched the plot with Salawu.
Further disclosed that the suspects were robbing Lucas of her valuables after resumption when the victim raised the alarm.
“The police were on patrol when the woman screamed for help. Neighbours, passersby and the police stormed the premises and arrested the three suspects. In fact, while robbing her, one of them attempted to strangle her before help came her way.” the source added.
The police spokesman, Adejobi, confirmed the incident.
He said a dummy pistol was recovered from the suspects by men of the Satellite Police Station, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Chike Oti.