Three suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in the theft of vehicle components have been arrested while attempting to remove a brain-box from a Toyota Hilux at the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in Oshodi, Lagos State.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as the Lagos State Task Force.
They were identified as Kazzim Iyiola, alias Sabela, 46; Mohammed Rabiu; and Musa Saleh, 56.
The Task Force spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to the statement, the suspects were caught at the VIO premises while attempting to remove the brain-box from an operational Toyota Hilux belonging to the agency.
A fourth suspect, identified simply as Tony, who allegedly operates as a motor-parts dealer and receives stolen vehicle components, is reportedly still at large.
The suspects were reportedly placed under surveillance following repeated complaints about the disappearance of vehicle parts from parked vehicles within the Safety Arena, where several government agencies operate.
Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the complaints involved the theft of batteries, spare tyres, jacks and other vehicle components.
Akerele said he directed operatives to track down the suspects after receiving reports that some individuals were posing as motor mechanics to gain access to parked vehicles.
“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,” he said.
During interrogation, Iyiola, popularly known as Sabela, allegedly admitted that the gang specialised in targeting vehicles that remained stationary for several hours in garages and compounds.
He reportedly disclosed that the group had previously stolen several vehicle components, particularly brain-boxes.
According to his confession, brain-boxes stolen from vehicles within the same vicinity in September last year were 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 told investigators that they had previously worked together as a driver and mechanic at Marine Beach and were now engaged in the sale of iron scraps.
However, their account reportedly came under scrutiny when they were asked to provide evidence of transactions linked to their alleged scrap-metal business.
Akerele said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that their arrest should serve as a warning to those involved in stealing and reselling vehicle components.
He said the Task Force would intensify efforts to protect vehicle owners from criminals targeting brain-boxes, batteries, tyres, jacks, trafficators, lights and other vital components.
The chairman also urged residents to report suspicious activities through the Task Force’s official feedback channels so security operatives can respond promptly.
“There is no room for criminality in Lagos State,” Akerele added.
