Police Arrest Pickpocketing Kingpin, 20 Others in Lagos

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command have arrested a self-acclaimed kingpin of pickpocketing at the Oshodi area of the state.

The suspect, Ibrahim Kasali, and 20 other suspects were arrested for their involvement in stealing and robbing innocent pedestrians and motorists in the area.

The raid by RRS, which took place between 4:30am and 6.35am saw the operatives combing Mosafejo, Bolade, Oshodi Oke, and Oshodi (Under Bridge) to arrest the hoodlums and social miscreants waiting for early rush to rob passers-by and passengers.

However, for Kasali, who is known as the ‘Ibrahim Babangida of Oshodi’, was nabbed during the operation as he was being chased by passengers of a bus, which he boarded, here he had stolen from one of the passengers.

Meanwhile, the police already had his dossier as some of his colleagues earlier arrested gave him out as their leader, who collects the stolen items, sells it and shares the proceeds to all.

THISDAY gathered that the Kasali has been to prison four times while one of his accomplices also arrested, 18 years old Ibrahim Yusuph from Ogun State, was just out of prison for the eighth time.

Upon completion of preliminary screening, four out of 21 arrested suspects, who could provide satisfactory information about their identity, were freed by officers.

Among the suspects arrested were Bello Fatai, Oladimeji Ajisafe, Hassan Adeyemi, Jubril Olamilekan and Babalola Ahmed. Others were Junior Vincent, Rilwan Oyinsola, Sadiq Taofeek, Kazeem Taiwo, Mutiu Rasheed, Ayodele Adeeko and Sola Omonije to mention a few.

While confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police, assured Lagosians of maximum security in place in the state, adding that the suspects would face the full wrath of law.