The arrests occurred between November 22, 2023, and January 13, 2024
The Lagos State Police Command apprehended 34 individuals for a range of offenses, including armed robbery, stealing, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
The Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, revealed this information during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters on Tuesday, as outlined in an official statement posted on the command’s X handle.
The arrests occurred between November 22, 2023, and January 13, 2024, across various locations in the state. Recovered items from the suspects encompass 16 firearms, 72 live cartridges, 75 live ammunition, one expended cartridge, one pistol magazine, six axes, four daggers, one digger, five cutlasses, two vehicles, one POS Machine, fake registration plates, and charms.
Commissioner Adegoke Fayoade, in his role as the head of the Lagos State Police Command, plays a crucial part in steering the efforts to combat crime in the region. His transparency in sharing information about the arrests and the recovered items during the press briefing demonstrates a commitment to keeping the public informed about law enforcement actions. Such communication fosters a sense of security among residents and reinforces the idea that criminal activities will not be tolerated within the state.
The arrests and recovery of weapons have a direct impact on the safety and well-being of the communities in Lagos. By removing individuals involved in armed robbery, cultism, and other criminal activities from the streets, law enforcement contributes to a safer environment for residents. The police operation not only addresses immediate threats but also serves as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers, sending a clear message that criminal behavior will be met with decisive action.
While these arrests are a significant accomplishment, they also shed light on the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in combating crime. The diverse range of recovered items, from firearms to fake registration plates, highlights the adaptability of criminals. Going forward, the police force may need to continuously evolve its strategies and tactics to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure the sustained safety of the public.
Among the apprehended individuals are suspected cultists, including Quadri Mukail, Adedoyin Azeez, Olayinka Ayodele, Orefunwa Olamide, Olabode Idowu, and Anuoluwapo Ojo, who were arrested on December 17, 2023, following credible intelligence about their plan to retaliate against the death of their leader by targeting rival cult members in the Ayobo area.
Additionally, on January 13, 2024, Ifeanyi Nwodo, 39, and Dainel Johnson, 32, were arrested for attempting to establish an occultic shrine named ‘Indian Occultic Temple’ around Agunfoye area of Ikorodu. Their intention was to defraud victims by falsely claiming that the oracle possessed powers to make them rich and successful.
Several items including moulded human head, qmd crafted human effigies were found in their shrine.
In September 2023, the command paraded a fake Commissioner of Police for impersonation and unlawful possession of police warrant cards and police camouflage cap, among 12 others for various offences.
