The operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command have arrested a self-acclaimed Chairman of pickpockets in Oshodi, Ibrahim Kasali, and 20 other suspects alleged to be involved in stealing and robbing members of public in the area.
The raiding, which took place at about 4:30am and ended at 6:35am, Friday August 26, 2016, witnessed the operatives combing Mosafejo, Bolade, Oshodi Oke, and Oshodi Under Bridge, arresting the hoodlums and social miscreants waiting for early rush to pickpocket passers-by and passengers.
The suspect known as Ibrahim Babangida of Oshodi, who was nabbed during the operation while being chased by passengers of a bus which he boarded to pickpocket.
It was gathered that Kasali is feared by his colleagues for his ruthlessness and popularity.
“Some of his colleagues earlier arrested gave him out as their leader, and that he is the one that goes around to collect items stolen or snatched from passers-by to sell and share the proceeds to all of them”, our source added.
Kasali, the source noted, has been to prison four times while one of his accomplices also arrested, Ibrahim Yusuph, 18, from Ogun State, was just out of prison for the eighth time.
Upon completion of preliminary screening, four out of 21 arrested suspects, who could provide satisfactory information about their identity, were released.
Among the suspects arrested were, 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 to mention but a few.
While confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Superintendent of Police, SP Dolapo Badmus, re-assured people of Lagos, of maximum security in the state, adding that the suspects would face the full wrath of the law.
The suspects have been transferred to the Lagos State Taskforce on Environment for prosecution.