A 21-year-old suspected armed robber has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command after he was allegedly found with a suspected human body part, firearms and valuables believed to have been stolen from robbery victims.
The suspect, identified as Samson Onilewaji, was apprehended during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by police operatives along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, the suspect was travelling in an unregistered commercial shuttle bus alongside five other passengers when security personnel intercepted the vehicle for inspection.
A search of the bus and its occupants reportedly led to the recovery of a suspected human right hand, two locally made pistols, one live cartridge, two axes, a Point of Sale (POS) terminal and five Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards allegedly in the suspect’s possession.
The police spokesperson said the suspect confessed during interrogation to recently robbing three individuals and stealing their personal belongings, including the recovered POS terminal and ATM cards.
“The suspect confessed to having recently robbed three individuals of their personal belongings, including the recovered POS terminal machine and ATM cards,” the statement read.
The command said efforts are ongoing to identify and contact the robbery victims so that the recovered items can be returned to their rightful owners.
Investigators are also working to determine the identity of the owner of the suspected human hand, establish the circumstances surrounding its possession and uncover its intended use.
The police added that investigations have been expanded to identify and apprehend other suspects believed to be connected to the case.
Onilewaji is expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The arrest forms part of the Lagos State Police Command’s intensified security operations across major highways and communities aimed at tackling armed robbery, illegal firearms and other violent crimes.
In recent months, the command has announced several arrests of suspected criminals and the recovery of weapons during similar operations across the state.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring the safety of residents.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent criminal activities.
The police also encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious movements and activities through the command’s emergency communication channels.
