By Dare Akogun
Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested eight members of a car-snatching syndicate in Ilorin, the state capital.
In a statement made available to Sobi FM today, the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the arrests that the syndicate members were apprehended while allegedly dismantling a stolen Nissan Almera at a dump site in the Madi area of Ilorin.
The vehicle, ash in color with Lagos registration number AKD919AU, had been snatched at gunpoint in Lagos State and brought to Ilorin for dismantling and resale.
“At approximately 1200hrs on 24/05/2024, detectives were alerted to suspicious activities at a dump site located around the Madi area along the Okolowo/Jebba Expressway in Ilorin, where individuals were seen dismantling a car,” the statement read.
Upon arrival at the scene, the police arrested Abdulateef Abdulwahab, Wasiu Musa, and Tajudeen Abdulrasak. The dismantled Nissan Almera was recovered, and further interrogation of the suspects led to the arrest of four additional accomplices: Usman Oseni, Abdulrasheed Jimoh, Abdulrasak Jamiu Ayinde, and Lukman Ibrahim, all residents of Ilorin.
DSP Ejire-Adeyemi revealed that two members of the syndicate, Olarewaju Sikirulahi and an individual known as “Old Soldier,” are currently at large, with efforts ongoing to track them down and bring them to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, commended the swift and professional actions of the officers involved in the operation.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kwara State Police Command to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
“Theft and other illegal activities will not be tolerated in Kwara State, and those who engage in such acts will face the full weight of the law,” CP Olaiya stated.
