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Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as the Lagos State Taskforce, have arrested three suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly specialising in the theft of vehicle parts, particularly brain-boxes and other essential accessories, from parked vehicles.
The suspects, identified as Kazzim Iyiola, also known as Sabela, 46; Mohammed Rabiu; and Alhaji Musa Saleh, 56, were apprehended on Saturday at the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Oshodi, while allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box from a Toyota Hilux operational vehicle belonging to the VIO. A fourth suspect, identified simply as Tony, a motor-parts dealer who allegedly received the stolen vehicle components, is currently at large.
Iyiola, who resides in Marine Beach, Apapa, and Rabiu, of Alaba Oro, Amukoko, were among those arrested, while Saleh, a trailer driver from Kano who also resides in Marine Beach, was taken into custody.
Speaking on the arrest, Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the suspects had been placed under surveillance following repeated complaints from sister agencies operating within the Safety Arena over the disappearance of vehicle parts from parked vehicles.
According to him, the complaints bordered on the theft of batteries, spare tyres, jacks and other essential components from vehicles parked within the area.
“I received complaints from top management and staff alleging that men posing as motor mechanics were disappearing with vehicle parts. I immediately put strategies in place to track them down,” Akerele said.
During interrogation, Iyiola, also known as Sabela, reportedly admitted that the gang primarily targeted vehicles that remained stationary for several hours in garages, compounds and other locations.
He further confessed that the gang had stolen several vehicle components, particularly brain-boxes, in the past.
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According to him, brain-boxes allegedly removed from vehicles within the same vicinity in September last year were sold to Tony for N70,000.
“We mostly target stationary vehicles. On a good day, we remove two to three brain-boxes. Occasionally, we also target vehicles parked at owners’ risk,” he reportedly confessed.
The other two suspects initially claimed that they had previously worked together as a driver and mechanic at Marine Beach before becoming involved in the sale of iron scraps.
However, they reportedly became jittery when asked to provide evidence of their alleged scrap-metal business transactions.
Iyiola subsequently implicated Rabiu and Saleh in the alleged criminal activities.
CSP Akerele assured that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, stressing that their arrest should serve as a warning to individuals involved in the theft and resale of vehicle components.
He warned that the Taskforce would not relent in its efforts to protect vehicles and their owners from criminal elements specialising in the theft of brain-boxes, batteries, tyres, jacks, trafficators, lights and other vital vehicle components.
“I urge members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities through our official feedback channels for prompt action. There is no room for criminality in Lagos State,” he emphasised.
