A criminal syndicate specializing in shop break-ins, including the use of master keys to vandalize car shops and steal vehicles, has been apprehended in Lagos.
The suspects, identified as Emeka Kalu, Emeka Jefferson, and Christian Odah, were known for their habit of unlawfully entering various shops and making off with valuable items, including vehicles, which they would sell at significantly reduced prices to their criminal contacts.
During the arrest, the police managed to recover a total of five different vehicles, five television sets, six generators, and a bag of rice from the suspects.
Additionally, a 76-year-old man named Azuma Benedict, who was found to be acting as their criminal receiver, was also apprehended. The police discovered two stolen grinding machines, two television sets, one home theatre system, and three generators in his possession.
SP Ben Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer, held a press conference where he presented the suspects and detailed the activities of the Police Command over the past month.
He emphasized the commitment of the command in combating criminal activities within the state and urged the public to cooperate and assist in the efforts. SP Hundeyin declared that the police force was fully determined to give criminals in the area the fight of their lives.
“On 20th of May 2023, operatives of Lagos Command based on intelligence gathered arrested the trio of Emeka Kalu ‘m’ aged 52, Emeka Jefferson ‘m’ aged 46 and Christian Odah ‘m’ aged 35, a gang specialized in breaking into shops and stealing parked vehicles.
“Three Toyota Camry, one Toyota Sienna Space bus, one mini bus, six generators a bag of rice and five televisions were recovered.
Further investigation led to the arrest of their receiver one Azuma Benedict ‘m’ aged 76. Items recovered from her possession were two grinding machine, two televisions, one home theater, three generators. We are determined to go after fleeing members of the syndicate and bring them to justice.”