The Lagos State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime with the arrest of a notorious ‘one chance’ kingpin and two members of his gang in Ikeja.
Operatives of the Ikeja Division apprehended the suspects-53-year-old Bode Oludayisin, identified as the gang’s leader, alongside Michael Sowunmi, 22, and David Olawaye, 20-during a routine patrol along Agege Motor Road.
The suspects were caught red-handed after a victim being robbed inside their commercial minibus raised the alarm.
Police immediately intercepted the unregistered vehicle, which has been confirmed as the syndicate’s operational bus. Items recovered at the scene included a Tecno Spark 20 smartphone stolen from a victim, an axe, two concrete interlock bricks, several heavy stones, and a broken bottle crude weapons allegedly used to assault and intimidate passengers during past operations.
According to investigations, the gang operated under the guise of regular commercial drivers, using minibuses popularly known as korope.
They often picked up unsuspecting commuters from crowded hubs like Oshodi before diverting to unknown routes, where victims were robbed at knifepoint or attacked with stones and other weapons.
Police confirmed that Oludayisin, the arrested gang leader, has long been on their wanted list, linked to multiple violent robberies across the state.
His capture, they say, is a significant step towards dismantling the network of criminal gangs terrorising commuters in Lagos.
Following the arrests, the case has been handed over to the Command’s Special Squad 1 for further investigation and to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.
Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, praised the swift and coordinated response of the Ikeja Division operatives, stressing that the command will not relent in its efforts to rid Lagos of criminal gangs.
“This arrest is a clear warning to others who prey on innocent commuters. The Lagos State Command is determined to dismantle every criminal network that threatens public safety,” CP Jimoh declared.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid boarding unmarked or suspicious vehicles, and report suspicious activities promptly to the police through the Command’s emergency lines: 08063299264 and 09168631003.
