The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a network of criminal activities and recovered more than N300 million in cash and assets linked to an alleged billion-naira fuel theft syndicate operating in the state.
The command also exposed a staged kidnapping plot allegedly masterminded by a scrap iron dealer to defraud his employer, while operatives arrested the principal suspect in the theft of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) belonging to MEA Energy valued at N1,028,825,520. The arrests and recoveries were made during operations carried out in May.
Addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday, Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani said detectives tracked and arrested the prime suspect, Chibuzor Mogbo, 38, in Delta State after 12 days of investigation. According to the CP, the suspect allegedly confessed to the crime and led operatives to cash and properties worth over N300 million believed to be proceeds of the fraud. He added that another suspect, Jessica Anyincha, is still at large.
In a separate incident, the police uncovered a fake kidnapping staged by a scrap dealer, Adamu Abdullahi, who allegedly circulated a video showing himself being assaulted while demanding a N1.5 million ransom from his employer. Detectives reportedly noticed inconsistencies in his claim, including the absence of visible injuries after his return. The suspect later confessed to plotting the scheme with three accomplices, while police recovered N490,000 allegedly diverted from his employer’s business funds.
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Beyond financial crimes, the command netted a suspected cult leader, Waliu Olaleye, 31, allegedly a principal figure in the Aiye Confraternity, from whose Igando home a locally-made double-barrel pistol was recovered concealed inside a ceiling. A driver, Akintayo Wasiu, 57, was also arrested in Ibadan after allegedly stealing his employer’s Toyota Hiace bus, falsifying the vehicle’s documents and changing his phone number to evade capture.
In total, the command arrested 10 suspects during the month, and recovered a double-barrel pump-action gun; three AK-47 rifles; two submachine guns (SMGs); one revolver, a short pistol; one fabricated pistol; three locally made pistols, as well as six magazines; 42 rounds of live ammunition; one dummy gun; a TVS motorcycle; an axe; and other items used as weapons. It also recovered stolen vehicles and significant sums of money.
The police boss assured residents that the command would sustain its offensive, stating: “There will be no hiding place for criminal elements within the state,” while urging the public to provide timely intelligence to aid law enforcement.
Giving update on the failed kkidnap attempt at Jakande Estate Gate on Sunday night, CP Tijani confirmed four of the suspects were killed in battle, while anoother sustained gunshot wounds.
He said the kidnapping syndicate was notorious for targeting wealthy individuals in Lagos, adding that its arrowhead, Ifeanyi alias Ifeko, reportedly had links to Henry Asoona, the leader of the billionaire kidnappers neutralised at Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in 2024.
According to the police boss, Ifeanyi was based abroad and recently arrived Lagos to coordinate an operation.
He confirmed that four members of the gang were killed during a gun battle while another one fled with finshir wounds.
Recovered from the scene were a Toyota Sienna vehicle, an AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 25 rounds of live ammunition, an SMG rifle loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition, and keys to Toyota Corolla and Lexus vehicles.
“An Inspector of Police sustained a gunshot wound to the left leg during the exchange and is receiving treatment in hospital. Efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and other accomplices,” he added.
