Detectives from Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested five armed robbery suspects, including two policemen, for their alleged involvement in several robbery operations in Lagos and Ogun states.
The policemen, identified as Inspector Sunday Adetoye and Inspector Ogunleye Stephen, had allegedly gone with their robbery gang to a private residence in Obada-Oko in Ogun State where they reportedly robbed their victims.
One Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Ajaiyi Victor, who allegedly led the operation fled, leaving others behind.
It was gathered that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command comprising Lagos and Ogun states, AIG Ari Muhammed Ali, had ordered the dismissal of both policemen.
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The three other accomplices are said to be members of a vigilante group in the area.
The Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Umma Tunni Ayuba, who confirmed the arrest, gave the identities of the two policemen as AP. No. 279495 Inspector Sunday Adetoye and AP. No. 223521 Inspector Ogunleye Stephen.
He added that they were attached to the Zonal Command Headquarters in Onikan.
Ayuba said, “The erring officers, who were at the time facing trial for a similar offence, on November 23, 2023, at about 10pm, went in the company of three others; two members of Vigilante Group, one Semiu Afisu’M’, one Abidoye Femi ‘M’, and one Charles John ‘(the driver), to the residence of one Taiwo Monsuru, and one Akintola Sunday, at Obada-Oko in Ogun State; armed with two SMG rifles and live ammunition, conducted a search without a warrant where they allegedly made away with 5 iPhones, one Samsung smartphone, one Tecno smartphone, and two laptop computers.
“Police officers attached to Ifo Division mounted a roadblock after other residents of the apartment informed them of the incident with the description of the vehicle, which led to the apprehension of the occupants of the vehicle
“One ASP Ajayi Victor allegedly led the illegal operation and fled. He is currently at large.
“The AIG has directed that the dismissed officers be charged to court alongside the civilians involved, while he urges all officers and men of the force to remain professional in the discharge of their duties in accordance with the law, as anyone found wanting will be accountable for his/her action or inaction.
“He further emphasizes that the current management of the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, will not tolerate any form of unprofessional and corrupt practice, while he implores members of the public to always report unprofessional conduct of officers and men, as the Police is always there for the protection of all.”
