Following the outcry of popular film maker, Biodun Stephen, on the stealing of phones in some areas of Lagos State, the state police command swung into action and have arrested 303 suspects in raids carried out on black spots in Lagos on Saturday ahead of the Muslim Eid el-Fitr celebrations.
This development was confirmed by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement shared via his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Monday.
Hundeyin said that the Lagos Police Commission received with concern reports that young men in certain parts of the state seized phones of passersby, to extort them.
He noted that after screening the arrested suspect, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Adegoke Fayoade, directed that they should be prosecuted.
The statement reads: “CP Fayoade has, directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers especially in identified areas to redouble security architecture and enhance their neighborhood and foot patrol within their areas of responsibility to tackle this emerging menace.
“The CP ordered the immediate prosecution of 303 suspects arrested over the weekend during raids across the state, after a careful screening process.
“The raids were carried out by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS),”.
He said that the commissioner was worried given the sustained raids being carried out by officers and men of the command in the areas concerned.
He said that the command remained unrelenting in its resolve and determination to continue to stamp out and make the public space hot for criminal elements in Lagos State.
Hundeyin said the command appreciates everyone who brought this menace to the notice of relevant authorities and further encourages all Lagosians to continue to say something when they see something.
