Spread the love

Breaking: Lagos Police Arrest Five Suspected Car-Snatchers, Buyer of Stolen Vehicle in Lekki

Lagos, Nigeria – August 21, 2025 | DocuNews Central

In a major breakthrough against criminal networks operating in Lagos, the Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of five suspected members of a notorious car-snatching gang, alongside the alleged buyer of a stolen vehicle. The arrests were successfully carried out by operatives of the Ilasan Police Division, Lekki, bringing relief to residents who have long raised concerns about the rising cases of car theft and robbery in the area.

HOW THE INCIDENT BEGAN

According to official police statements, the incident that set off the arrests took place on August 1, 2025. A taxi driver reported to the Ilasan Division that he had been violently dispossessed of his vehicle after three men hired him along Platinum Way, Jakande, Lekki.

During the journey, one of the passengers allegedly pulled out a locally made pistol, threatened the driver, and forced him out of his black Toyota Corolla. The gang members then sped away, leaving the driver stranded and terrified.

The victim’s report immediately prompted police operatives to launch a swift manhunt for the suspects.

NAMES OF THE ARRESTED SUSPECTS

After days of intelligence gathering and tracking, police confirmed the arrest of the following individuals:

Favour Sunday

Ikot Moses

Dickson Ighobue Harrison

Joshua Adedamola

Daniel Jonathan

The suspects, all in their 20s and 30s, were said to have been operating within Lagos, targeting unsuspecting taxi drivers and private vehicle owners.

THE BUYER OF THE STOLEN VEHICLE

Police investigations revealed that the stolen Toyota Corolla did not remain in Lagos for long. Instead, it was sold for ₦500,000 to Wasiu Arinola, a suspected car dealer based in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Shockingly, instead of reselling the vehicle as a whole, Wasiu allegedly dismantled the car into parts and sold them off in different markets across Ibadan. Detectives later traced him and arrested him for receiving and dismantling stolen property.

POLICE RESPONSE AND PUBLIC ASSURANCE

A senior officer from the Lagos State Police Command, while confirming the arrests, commended the swift response of the Ilasan Division. He stated:

“These arrests send a strong warning to criminal gangs that Lagos will not tolerate lawlessness. The Command will continue to protect residents and ensure that car-snatchers and their buyers are brought to justice.”

The officer further assured that the suspects are undergoing interrogation and will soon be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

REACTIONS FROM RESIDENTS

News of the arrests has sparked conversations among residents of Lekki and its environs. Many expressed relief, noting that car-snatching incidents have been on the rise in recent months.

A resident of Jakande who spoke to DocuNews Central said:

“We are very happy that the police acted fast. These boys terrorize drivers and innocent people at night. With their arrest, we hope peace and safety will return to our area.”

Another taxi driver in Lekki Phase 1 added:

“We risk our lives daily because passengers can turn into armed robbers in a flash. The police should not only arrest them but also make sure they face the full wrath of the law.”

CAR-SNATCHING: A PERSISTENT PROBLEM IN LAGOS

Car-snatching remains one of the most reported crimes in Lagos, often linked to syndicates who quickly sell stolen vehicles to receivers or dismantle them for spare parts. Criminals exploit busy areas such as Lekki, Ajah, Ikorodu, and Oshodi, targeting unsuspecting drivers.

Security analysts believe the quick disposal of stolen vehicles makes it difficult for victims to recover their property, underscoring the importance of police-community collaboration.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SUSPECTS?

The Lagos State Police Command has made it clear that the suspects will face charges in court after investigations are completed. They are expected to be arraigned on charges ranging from armed robbery, conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and receiving stolen property.

Police sources also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other possible members of the syndicate, as well as buyers connected to Wasiu’s alleged spare-parts network.

DOCUNEWS CENTRAL’S TAKE

This development once again highlights the effectiveness of prompt police response and citizen cooperation in tackling crime. While arrests have been made, it also raises larger questions about the demand for stolen vehicles and spare parts in Nigeria — a demand that continues to fuel criminal gangs.

For now, residents of Lekki and Ibadan can heave a sigh of relief, knowing that a dangerous network has been dismantled.

DocuNews Central will continue to monitor this story closely and provide updates as the case proceeds to court.

please subscribe to DocuNews Central for more verified news. We love you Furever.