Police thwart robbery attempts in Lagos, nab murder suspect
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigeria Police Force has made breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on crime, arresting multiple suspects involved in murder, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms in Lagos State.
The NPF in a statement on Sunday, by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, claimed these latest operations emphasise its commitment to public safety and security, revealing that operatives carried out several successful operations between February 5 and 7, 2025, which lead to key arrests and the recovery of weapons.
The statement said in part, “As part of its commitment to strengthening national security and curbing crime across the nation, the Nigeria Police Force continues to implement proactive strategies to address criminal activities effectively.
“These efforts reflect the determination to create a safer environment for all citizens while reinforcing public trust in the security apparatus.”
Adejobi further disclosed that out of the major arrests that took place on February 7, 2025, when police operatives from the Satellite Division in Lagos nabbed a suspect, Wisdom Obi, 24, at Abule Ado bus stop along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Officers, during a routine patrol, stopped Obi, who was riding an unregistered motorcycle, and found a brownie pistol and 13 rounds of live ammunition hidden inside an MP3 radio.
“The suspect was taken into custody, with the motorcycle and recovered items documented as exhibits, while investigation continues,” the statement substantiated.
Also on February 7, a team of officers from the Orile Iganmu Division apprehended four suspected traffic robbers, Kadir Ibrahim, Ifeanyin John, Oduwole Shola, and Rilwan Olajuwon while they were attempting to rob passengers of a broken-down vehicle at Ascon White Sand area.
The police enjoined citizens to be cautious, particularly in traffic, as criminals often pose as street traders before striking.
“The police strongly advise citizens to exercise vigilance and be wary of the cunning schemes of traffic robbers who blend in as innocent traffic traders, preying on unsuspecting individuals who find themselves entrapped in congested routes,” Adejobi had written.
However, in another alarming case, police operatives from Ikoyi Division responded to a murder incident on February 5, 2025, at Falomo Square, Ikoyi.
A heated argument between Okeke Johnchris, 33, and William Wisdom escalated into violence when Okeke allegedly used his Lexus saloon car to ram into William, inflicting fatal injuries.
“William was rushed to Gbagada General Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“A team of detectives visited the scene, and the deceased was taken to IDH Morgue in Yaba for an autopsy.
“The suspect has been apprehended and is currently in police custody pending conclusion of investigations and arraignment,” Adejobi added.
The Force has warned the public against resorting to violence in disputes, urging aggrieved individuals to seek redress through legal means rather than taking matters into their own hands, stressing, “Citizens must avoid taking the law into their hands.”
The NPF reassured Nigerians that it remains committed to national security and crime prevention, urging cooperation from the public to maintain law and order.
