Fake Dispatch Rider, Others Nabbed for Car Parts Theft in Lagos
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man, Ogbonna Eze, who allegedly disguised as a dispatch rider to steal car parts from unsuspecting victims.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the suspect was paraded before newsmen on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, after he was caught red-handed vandalizing vehicles by removing brain boxes and other parts.
Hundeyin said the command received reports of the suspect’s activities on September 18, 2023, and launched an investigation that led to his arrest.
He said the suspect confessed to the crime and revealed that he usually operates in the early hours of the day when most people are asleep.
He also said the suspect claimed that he sold the stolen parts to his accomplices at a local spare part market.
Hundeyin further disclosed that the command also arrested five other suspects who are involved in similar crimes of stealing vehicles, disassembling them and selling their parts.
He said the suspects were arrested on different dates and locations following credible intelligence and surveillance.
He identified the suspects as Izuchukwu Madu, 39, Chidozie Ilekoroneje, 34, Alabi Sodiq, 40, Hycient Ikechukwu, 40 and Felix Asogba, 27.
He said one of the suspects, Kelechi Ofo, 30, was arrested on October 10, 2023, at a motor park in Surulere where he and his gang members in military uniform were stealing brain boxes from parked vehicles.
He said another suspect, Felix Asogba, was arrested on October 15, 2023, after he stole a Cherokee jeep from its owner and sold it to Izuchukwu Madu who disassembled it and sold its parts to other buyers.
He said the command recovered three brain boxes, one Cherokee jeep and other exhibits from the suspects.
He said the suspects will be charged in court as soon as possible.
He warned car owners to be vigilant and secure their vehicles properly to avoid falling prey to car thieves.
He also urged the public to report any suspicious activities or persons around their vicinity to the police.
