Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a car snatching syndicate identified as nationals of Benin Republic over alleged car theft.
Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos State, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the duo’s arrest to newsmen on Thursday, in Lagos.
Hundeyin disclosed that the suspects, one Kosoko Rafiu and Nunayo Sunayo were arrested while trying to escape with the stolen vehicle along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway on Tuesday.
The Lagos Police spokesman said after hijacking the vehicle, the suspects were on top speed to escape a police checkpoint, but were finally arrested at Abule Ado area of the state.
He, explained that the suspects stole the vehicle in the Anthony Village area of the state.
“They specialised in stealing vehicles from functions in Nigeria and escaping with them to their country.
Hundeyin added that the car thieves decided to seize the opportunity of the ongoing protest to steal the car.
“They thought of escaping with it with ease, thinking the police were only paying attention to protesters and not other crimes.
“Luck, however, ran out on them after they stole the vehicle at about 12a.m as some police operatives at the Trade Fair Complex on special duty during the ongoing protests received intelligence that one red Toyota Corolla car was coming towards their direction
“The operatives patrolled and monitored the event before they suddenly saw the car on high speed in a suspicious manner.
“The DPO immediately alerted his team for ‘stop and search’ of vehicles. Immediately, the suspects got to the police check point, they sped off again.
The Lagos Command’s spokesman added that police gave the suspects a hot chase and eventually the vehicle was flagged down at Abule Ado area where the suspects were promptly arrested.
One Toyota Corolla car with registration no. JJJ 741 EJ alongside various charms were recovered from the suspects.
He added that investigation was in progress.
