Lagos Police arrest 2,176 for murder, kidnapping, others in four months

The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended 2,176 suspects for crimes including murder, armed robbery, and kidnapping over the last four months, Commissioner of Police Olanrewaju Ishola announced on Saturday.

Briefing reporters on the Command’s achievements from September 2024 to January 2025, Ishola said all the suspects had been charged to court. He noted that proactive measures and public cooperation had bolstered the state’s security.

Among the arrests were four suspects linked to the January 9 murder of an Uber driver.

“The suspects lured the driver to a secluded spot in Obalende, stabbed him in the neck, and attempted to steal his car,” Ishola revealed.

Two were caught by passersby and handed to the police, leading to the arrest of the remaining suspects in Chevron, Lekki.

Another case involved the September 2024 killing of an Uber driver, Oluwaseyi Fowler. The culprits kidnapped and murdered Fowler before selling his vehicle.

Police recovered the decomposed body and the stolen car following the suspects’ arrest.

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The Command also dismantled armed robbery and kidnapping gangs, including a notorious group led by Fatai Lawal, alias “Bullet,” operating along the Badagry corridor. Police rescued multiple kidnap victims, including one abducted at a dredging site in Ojo.

Ishola praised Lagos’ safety during the festive season, attributing it to the dedication of officers and support from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“Over 500,000 diaspora Nigerians arrived through Murtala Muhammed International Airport for the holidays. Ninety per cent stayed in Lagos, enjoying uninterrupted celebrations,” he said.

Since September, the police have recovered arms, including weapons stolen during the EndSARS protests, and increased patrols to combat crime.

Ishola urged ride-hailing drivers to prioritize safety and collaborate with law enforcement to reduce risks.

“We remain committed to safeguarding Lagos and ensuring it remains the safest state in Nigeria,” he added.