Lagos task force arrests four suspected traffic robbers

The Lagos state task force says its operatives have arrested four suspected traffic robbers targeting motorists.

Adetayo Akerele, chairman of the task force, said in a statement on Thursday that the suspects are Ismail Akinlade, 26; Rasak Abiodun, 25; Adefabi Gbolahan, 25; and Rilwan Olaloye, 20.

Akerele said the suspects were arrested in the Mushin area of Lagos following investigations that uncovered their hideout.

He said the task force had been closely monitoring miscreants operating in certain areas of the state.

He added that one of the suspects, Akinlade, admitted, “they typically hand over stolen phones to their leader,” who is currently at large, to sell the items.

Akerele said the suspect also disclosed how they take advantage of bad road sections to target motorists, striking when drivers are forced to slow down.

The chairman said after extensive manhunts and intelligence efforts, agency officers tracked a stolen phone to the Idi-Oro axis in Mushin, where the suspects were apprehended.

“These individuals reportedly target distracted motorists, stealing phones, bags, and other valuables from vehicles while distracting the occupants,” he said.

“They have all been interrogated and will be charged in court immediately.”