By Florencemary Nwabueze
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a criminal gang linked to recent killings, armed robbery, and cult-related activities in the Ajah area of the state.
According to the command Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi in statement on Wednesday, the suspects identified as Kareem Abiodun, 26; Tansiru Emmanuel, 29; Lateef Usman, 28; and Alashe Azeez, 32, were apprehended during a targeted operation following sustained follow-up activities connected to a robbery case.
"As part of the Command’s sustained efforts to rid the state of violent criminal activities, operatives of the Lagos State Command have arrested four (4) suspected members of a criminal gang linked to recent killings, armed robbery and cult-related activities in the Ajah axis of the state; recovered three (3) locally made pistols, one live ammunition, two (2) battle axes and one POS machine.
"The operation followed sustained follow-up activities in connection with a robbery case. Four (4) suspects, namely Kareem Abiodun, ‘m’, 26 years; Tansiru Emmanuel, ‘m’, 29 years; Lateef Usman, ‘m’, 28 years; and Alashe Azeez, ‘m’, 32 years, were arrested.
"Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are linked to recent robbery activities around Ajah, Sangotedo and Ibeju-Lekki. The suspects also made confessional statements regarding their involvement in armed robbery, murder and cultism.
"The suspects are currently in Police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang and possible recovery of other exhibits in their possession, after which they will be charged to court accordingly."
Reacting to the incident, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, commended the operatives for their diligence and sustained follow-up efforts. He urged them to maintain the momentum and intensify operations to capture other gang members.
CP Fatai also issued a stern warning to cultists, armed robbers, and other violent criminals, stating that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations to track down and bring them to justice.