According to the CP, the command deplored operatives to investigate following the arrest of four other suspected vandals who allegedly confessed to the crime.
The operatives of the Lagos State Police Command has nabbed one Rasak Oyakunle at a.k.a Akeregun, anther suspected vandals that caused the inferno that destroyed millions of Naira worth properties at Isopako Awori in Abuleegba area of Lagos State.
Irohimi Edgal, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), made this known during a press briefing on Tuesday at the Command’s headquarters in Ikeja.
On December 18, 2018, fire outbreak, caused by explosion from a vandalized pipeline, destroyed at least 100 houses, 100 shops and 50 cars.
According to the CP, the command deplored operatives to investigate following the arrest of four other suspected vandals who allegedly confessed to the crime.
SaharaReporters reported the arrest to the four suspects on December 27, 2018.
Edgal said: “based on the development, operatives of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, were detailed to investigate the incident and ensure the arrest of those behind the crime. The operatives mobilized to the scene, picked up some pieces of evidence for analysis which led to the arrest of one Rasak Oyakunle at a.k.a Akeregun.
“During interrogation, he confessed committing the crime. He further revealed that he owns an electric generator repairing workshop situated right on the spot where the ruptured pipeline was laid. He said that the location of the workshop on the petroleum pipeline was to enable them siphon fuel undetected. His partners in the business currently in our custody are Abdulazeez Agbola a.k.a Biggy (29 years), Akin Ayansola a.k.a Babalati (44 years), Kazeem a.k.a Aladija (50 years), Saheed Isiola a.k.a Obama (36 years)
“Also arrested was one Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, 40 years who was on police wanted list as a result of the incident. The gang has been in the business of stealing petroleum product for many years until they met their waterloo on 18/12/2018.”
Similarly, the command arrested ten men between the ages of 18 and 37 suspected to be vandals, at Ijora Badia area of Lagos State.
Edgal said: “On the 15/01/2019, at about 0200hrs, information was received from a credible source that some vandals were sighted digging and cutting electricity cable that supplies street light around White sand area, Orile Iganmu Lagos.
“Based on the information, FSARS Operatives attached to Ijora Badia Base, swiftly mobilized to the scene and arrested the following suspects are Mohammed Yusuf (18 years ), Mohammed Babakur (30 years), Abu Zenou (25 years), Abdullahi Abba (37 years), Awam Abubakar (22 years), Nurudeen Ogunseye (46 years), Azeez Olayinka (20 years), Abdulrahman Momoh (24 years), Mohammed Kabiru (27 years), Yusuf Mustapha (23 years).
Also, electricity cable, Knife and a hack saw were recovered from them as exhibits.
The Suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.