#EndSARS protests: Police parade suspects who burnt stations, others

Etim Effiong

The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command, have arrested three suspects in connection with the burning of Ilogbo Police Post, Ilemba-Hausa, Ajangbadi, Lagos during the #EndSARS protest.

It was learnt that both the police stations and the exhibit vehicles were burnt while other valuables were stolen by some hoodlums that criminally hijacked the protest.

The Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, said upon receipt of the report of the arson, some police operatives were deployed to the area to fish out the perpetrators of the crime.

He added that the exercise paid off as the suspects were arrested in connection with the crime. Odumosu noted that one unregistered tricycle and motor battery stolen from the burnt Ilogbo Police Post were recovered from the suspects.

He named the suspects in the crime as Chibuike Madu, Maruf Banuso, and Timothy Dike.

“A case of conspiracy to commit arson and stealing was reported against Chibuike Madu, Maruf Banuso and Timothy Dike, who were arrested for offences which took place at Ilogbo Police Post, Ilemba-Hausa, Ajangbadi Lagos, the station was set ablaze during the EndSARS protests.

“Upon the receipt of the report of the incident, some Police operatives were deployed to the area to fish out the perpetrators of the crime. The exercise paid off; the suspects were arrested in connection with the crime. One unregistered tricycle and motor battery stolen from the burnt Ilogbo Police Post were recovered from them.,” he said.

Besides the three hoodlums, 100 others were arrested in various locations across the state for various offences, which included unlawful possession of firearms.

Odumosu said Hassan Omileye, Abiodun Ayodeji, were arrested with one locally made Barretta pistol and three live ammunitions. He said investigations showed that they were about unleashing mayhem on Bamigbose Streets Lagos Island before their arrest.

Next on the line of the arrest was that of Sunday Mustapha for alleged cultism and illegal possession of firearms.

“The offence took place on November 29, 2020, when police upon credible information got wind of the hideouts of the hoodlums, who participated in the burning of Elemoro Police Station and looting of the armoury at Imeletelafia, Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos.

“Upon the receipt of the information, police operatives swiftly mobilized to the area. On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums ran to different directions to avoid arrest but were chased.

“In the process, one of the hoodlums was arrested and he later gave his name as Sunday Mustapha. Items recovered from the suspect are one cut to size locally made double barrel gun with one unexpended cartridge and one cut to size single barrel gun.

“It was revealed that the suspect bought the gun at Ilaje in Ondo State at the rate of N58,000 for cult activities. The suspect is a renowned member of Aiye Confraternity.

“The State Police boss also revealed that 18 people were arrested for violating the COVID-19 protocols and three suspected one chance robbery suspects,” he said.