Police re-arrest ex-convict for ‘stealing’ in Lagos — hours after his release

The Lagos state police command says its operatives have re-arrested one Yakub Yusuf, an ex-convict, over alleged stealing of valve covers of an old fire truck.

According to the police, Yusuf was released from prison last Friday just 10 days after his conviction for stealing at the Lagos state fuel dump, Alausa, Ikeja.

The suspect was sentenced to one month in prison or an option of a fine. He was imprisoned due to his inability to pay the fine.

However, a non-governmental organisation facilitated his release by paying the fine attached to his conviction.

Benjamin Hundeyin, Lagos police spokesperson, in a statement on Thursday, said the suspect was arrested last Saturday for allegedly breaking into Lagos state fire service premises.

“Operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on Saturday morning arrested an ex-convict hours after he was released from prison,” Hundeyin said.

“The suspect, Yakub Yusuf, 23 was arrested around 0800hrs on Saturday after regaining freedom following his one-month prison sentence for stealing at Lagos State fuel dump, Alausa, Ikeja

“Yakub was arrested again after breaking into Lagos state fire service premises from where he stole valve covers of old fire truck under repairs.

“The CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi-led RRS has since transferred the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.”