Ndudi Anyim
A pickpocket suspect, arrested by the men of Rapid Response Squad (RRS), has disclosed how he stole over 240 mobile phones from commuters, in Lagos State.
The suspect, Ayomide Sikiru, 27, a resident of Akala at Mushin area of the state, was arrested after successfully stealing a Tecno Camon 12 from the hand bag of an elderly woman when she was trying to board a commercial bus to Ojodu – Berger.
According to the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the suspect had, after stealing the phone, tried to alight from the bus but was restrained by a passenger who challenged him to return the phone he stole from the bag of the elderly woman to her.
Adejobi said, “He denied stealing any phone until RRS officers stationed in Iyana Oworo searched and recovered the phone along with an iphone 7 and another mobile phones from his bag. The owner of the iphone was contacted immediately. “Sikiru disclosed that he has been in the business of pickpocketing for a year and two months after learning the art in 15 days from one Sakiru. He noted that he operated only on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
“The suspect further disclosed that those days are busy periods in Lagos adding that he has picked over 240 mobiles phones from pockets and bags of Lagos commuters, ” the PPRO said.
The suspect, however, revealed that he sold all the stolen phones directly in Akala.
Similarly, RRS operatives, in compliance with the order of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State (CP ), Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, on enforcement of the curfew and COVID-19 protocols, impounded nine vehicles in Agege area of the state.
Adejobi said the vehicles were impounded by the Commander, Rapid Response squad (RRS), Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), who was also in Agege at early hours of Friday February 19, to engage community stakeholders on the security situation in Agege area.
“The impounded vehicles included six Danfo buses, a Toyota Hilux, Honda Accord and Ford pickup. Their registration numbers are, GGE 240 XZ, SMK 696 YA, AAA 869 YD, LSD 322 GE, KTU 466 FH, JJJ 877 YC, AAA 773 XH, EPE 241 XZ and an unregistered Volkswagen transporter, ” he said.
The PPRO stated that the police boss has also ordered the cases to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (ScID), Yaba, for proper investigation, while the owners of the impounded vehicles be immediately charged to the mobile courts at Taskforce office Oshodi.
“CP Hakeem Odumosu has, however, vowed to remain resolute in fighting against crimes and criminality in the state,” he reiterated.