A sixty-two-year-old man, Robert Smith, has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command following a petition by a micro-finance bank over alleged fraud of N130 million.

Smith, an alleged serial fraudster, was one of the suspects paraded by the state’s Police Commissioner, Tijani Fatai, as part of his achievements since his assumption of office.

He also presented exhibits recovered from various scenes of crimes, including armed robbery, cultism, conspiracy, stealing, threat to life, and unlawful possession of firearms.

The CP said an investigation revealed that the suspect used the funds to fraudulently acquire multiple exotic vehicles using deceptive financial instruments.

Also recovered from him were vehicles, including  two unregistered Lexus GX 460, one unregistered Mercedes GLS 450, one Lexus RX 350 (2018 model) and one Mercedes GLC 4Matic.

Six vehicles have been recovered out of seven obtained, valued at over N520 million.

Within the period, the Command also arrested 47 suspects, recovered 14 firearms, (10 locally made and four pump actions), a total of 96 5.2mm live ammunition, 29 live and one expended cartridge, 14 vehicles, and two laptops.

The CP also displayed recovered 29 mobile phones, flash drive and other incriminating items.

A notorious thug and suspected armed robber, 43-year-old Jamiu Yahaya, aka “Elesin,” who has been on the Command’s wanted list, was arrested at Canal, Campus Street, Amukoko.

The CP said that upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being in possession of a locally-made pistol.

However, a follow-up search at his residence led to the recovery of one locally-made pistol, two live cartridges, one empty shell of K2 ammunition and suspected charms.

On April 1, 2026, at about 11:6.p.m, the Command arrested 23-year-old suspected cultist, Sunday Daniel, in Ajegunle area of the state. A search conducted at his residence led to the recovery of one locally-made pistol.

It was revealed that the suspect confessed to be a member of the Aiye Confraternity and had provided useful information to aid ongoing efforts to arrest other fleeing members.

On April 5, 2026, operatives of the Command arrested 21 suspects involved in cult-related activities.

The suspects were apprehended at a hotel in Ajao Estate while celebrating the birthday of a notorious cult member, known as Actor, who is currently at large. Recovered exhibits include one locally-made cut-to-size single-barrel gun, Aiye cult-branded envelope, Aiye cult-branded plastic bottles, one laptop and 23 mobile phones.

On March 29, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m, operatives of the Command also arrested 52-year-old Adedayo Bello for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The arrest followed a report by another resident after a pillow containing suspicious items was discovered by some children within the compound.

Recovered exhibits include one English stunt pistol, 96 rounds of 5.2mm calibre ammunition and three live cartridges.

The CP said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect concealed the firearm and ammunition in a pillow in an attempt to evade detection, saying that investigation is still ongoing.

On April 6, 2026, a suspected robber operating in Iba, targeting mobile phones, was apprehended. Acting on intelligence, a patrol team, led by the DPO, arrested one Ayoola Solomon. Recovered from the suspect were several mobile phones, including iPhone 14, iPhone XR, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone X, iPhone 6X, and an Infinix Android phone, all unaccounted for by the suspect.

The suspect has made a confessional statement, and further discreet investigation is ongoing.

The CP said: “In furtherance of the Command’s sustained operational activities and ongoing gun mop-up exercise, police operatives across various formations recorded significant successes. These recoveries are part of the Command’s proactive efforts to rid the state of illegal arms and dismantle criminal networks. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other suspects connected with these exhibits and bring them to justice.

“The achievements underscore the Command’s resolve to combat crimes and ensure the safety of all residents in Lagos State. I wish to assure Lagos rsidents that under my leadership, the Command will continue to intensify operations and deploy all necessary resources to bring crimes and criminality to the barest minimum. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the good people of Lagos State for their cooperation, support, and timely provision of credible information, which greatly contributed to the success recorded.”