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See How Lagos Police Arrest Suspected Killers of Uber, Bolt Drivers, Recover Large Cache of Arms

Published by Tope Fakinlede on January 12th, 2025.

See How Lagos Police Arrest Suspected Killers of Uber, Bolt Drivers, Recover Large Cache of Arms

The Lagos State Police Command has successfully apprehended multiple gangs of armed robbers responsible for targeting and killing private commercial vehicle operators, including Uber, Bolt, and Lagride drivers. The police also seized a significant number of firearms and ammunition during the operation.

The Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, Olanrewaju Ishola, disclosed that the command had successfully prosecuted offenders for over 2,176 crimes during the final quarter of 2024 and the early part of 2025. During this period, the police also suffered the tragic loss of three officers.

A total of 43 suspects were arrested in connection with various criminal offenses, including armed robbery, cultism, murder, child abuse, kidnapping, and the illegal possession of firearms. Commissioner Ishola outlined several incidents in which gangs of criminals targeted Uber and other private vehicle operators for robberies that resulted in fatalities.

For instance, on January 9, 2025, four individuals – Emeka Akwara (19), David Segun (21), Samuel Ariori (21), and Lukman Ariori (19) – booked an Uber ride from Chevron in the Lekki area, heading toward Obalende. Upon reaching a secluded area in Obalende, they attacked and killed the driver by stabbing him multiple times in the neck. Although the criminals attempted to steal the vehicle, they were unsuccessful. Thanks to the intervention of vigilant bystanders, two of the suspects were apprehended and handed over to the police. Further investigation led to the capture of the other two members of the gang.

In a similar case, an Uber driver was killed, and investigations led to the arrest of Edmond Julius Abdoulaye and Saturday Okey. The stolen Toyota Camry was recovered and returned to the family, and the case has been taken to court.

Ishola also urged caution to ride-hailing drivers, advising them to be cautious of their passengers. “We recommend that drivers avoid carrying more than one passenger at a time, and ensure that the passenger sits in the front seat while being searched,” he said. The police further emphasized the importance of security measures to avoid falling victim to such crimes.

Ishola also noted a disturbing rise in cult-related murders. For instance, on July 17, 2024, Awalu and Emmanuel were killed in Ijora Badia by rival cult members. In another instance, on October 15, 2024, Samuel Ojenuga, a member of the Aye Confraternity, was arrested after confessing to the murders of 12 members of the Eiye Confraternity in the Ijora Oloye area. His accomplice, Abdullahi Yusuf, admitted to killing three others in Ijora Badia.

On December 27, 2024, police received intelligence about suspicious activity at a property on Idunsagbe Street, Lagos Island. Upon investigation, they recovered two AK-47 rifles and a K2 assault rifle from the rooftop of the building.

Despite the challenges, Commissioner Ishola reaffirmed the Lagos Police Command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state.