Three suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in the theft of vehicle parts have been arrested while attempting to remove a brain-box from a Toyota Hilux at the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in Oshodi, Lagos.
The suspects, identified as 46-year-old Kazzim Iyiola, popularly known as Sabela; Mohammed Rabiu; and 56-year-old Alhaji Musa Saleh, were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, also known as the Lagos State Task Force.
The Task Force spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday and made available to the Nigerian Tribune.
According to the statement, the suspects were caught at the VIO premises while allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box of an operational Toyota Hilux belonging to the agency.
A fourth suspect, identified simply as Tony, a motor-parts dealer who allegedly received stolen vehicle components, is currently at large.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the suspects had been placed under surveillance following repeated complaints from sister agencies operating within the Safety Arena over the disappearance of vehicle parts from parked vehicles.
Akerele said the complaints involved the theft of batteries, spare tyres, jacks and other vehicle components.
He said, “I received complaints from top management and staff alleging that men posing as motor mechanics were disappearing with vehicle parts. I immediately put strategies in place to track them down.”
During interrogation, Iyiola, also known as Sabela, allegedly admitted that the gang targeted vehicles that remained stationary for several hours in garages and compounds.
He reportedly confessed that the syndicate had previously stolen several vehicle parts, particularly brain-boxes, which were allegedly sold to Tony for ₦70,000.
“We mostly target stationary vehicles. On a good day, we remove two to three brain-boxes. Occasionally, we also target vehicles parked at owners’ risk,” he reportedly said.
Rabiu and Saleh initially claimed that they had previously worked together as a driver and mechanic at Marine Beach and were currently involved in the sale of iron scraps.
However, their account reportedly came under scrutiny when they were asked to provide evidence of transactions relating to their alleged scrap-metal business.
Akerele said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that the arrest would serve as a deterrent to others involved in the theft and resale of vehicle components.
He further assured residents that the Task Force would intensify efforts to protect vehicle owners from criminals targeting brain-boxes, batteries, tyres, jacks, trafficators, lights and other essential vehicle parts.
“I urge members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities through our official feedback channels for prompt action. There is no room for criminality in Lagos State,” he added.
No comments:
Post a Comment