Pickpocket's chairman, 21 others arrested by RRS

August 28, 2016 5:43 PM

RRS officers have reportedly arrested the self acclaimed chairman of pickpockets in Oshodi along with 21 others.

Chairman of pickpockets in Oshodi apprehended along with 21 other suspects

Operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command, have apprehended a self-acclaimed Chairman of pickpockets in Oshodi area of the State.

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The suspect identified as, Ibrahim Kasali, was arrested alongside 21 other suspects, who are alleged to have been involved in stealing within the area.

The raid which took place between 4:30a.m. and 6:35 am on Friday August 26, 2016, had the operatives going through Mosafejo, Bolade, Oshodi Oke, and Oshodi Under Bridge, arresting the hoodlums awaiting unsuspecting passers-by and passengers.

Popularly known as Ibrahim Babangida of Oshodi, he was reportedly arrested during the operation as he was being chased by passengers of a bus he had just raided.

Kasali is reportedly feared by his colleagues due to his ruthlessness, and thus carving a niche for himself. Other suspects arrested prior to this raid are said to have given him out as their leader, adding that he goes round collecting stolen items to sell, sharing the proceeds amongst them. During his confession, Kasali disclosed that he has been imprisoned four times.

Upon the completion of the preliminary screening carried out by the operatives, four of the 22 arrested suspects were released after providing satisfactory information on their identity.

Some of the suspects include Bello Fatai, Oladimeji Ajisafe, Hassan Adeyemi, Jubril Olamilekan and Babalola Ahmed. Others were Junior Vincent, Rilwan Oyinsola, Sadiq Taofeek, Kazeem Taiwo, Mutiu Rasheed, Ayodele Adeeko and Sola Omonije amongst others.

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Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Superintendent of Police, SP Dolapo Badmus, encouraged the people of Lagos on vigilance, adding that maximum security is being put in place around the state.

The suspects have now been transferred to the Lagos State Taskforce Environment for prosecution.