Lagos Police Arrest Ex-Convict, Two Others for Theft and Pickpocketing, Recover Stolen Items

Lagos Police Arrest Ex-Convict, Two Others for Theft and Pickpocketing, Recover Stolen Items

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested an ex-convict and two suspected pickpockets for various theft-related offences across different parts of the state.

According to a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Adebisi Abimbola, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), the arrests were carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

The statement identified the suspects as Segun Kolawole, aged 25, an ex-convict who was apprehended just five days after his release from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, and two suspected pickpockets — Sodiq Isa (27) and Adekanmbi Ganiu (21).

SP Abimbola disclosed that Kolawole was arrested around 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Oshodi Market after operatives noticed his suspicious movements. He was found in possession of ₦80,000 and an Infinix Note 40 Pro smartphone, both traced to a burglary at Opebi, where he allegedly stole ₦200,000 and the mobile device from a sleeping trader.

“Further investigation revealed that the suspect had already spent part of the stolen money on new clothes and shoes, which were also recovered,” the statement noted.

In a separate operation conducted around 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, RRS operatives arrested Sodiq Isa and Adekanmbi Ganiu for attempting to steal mobile phones from unsuspecting commuters in different parts of Lagos.

The police said the suspects were apprehended before they could escape with their loot. Preliminary findings revealed that the duo operated mainly during rush hours, targeting commuters and pedestrians in crowded areas and traffic jams, where they specialised in snatching phones and wallets from victims.

Recovered exhibits have since been returned to their rightful owners, while all three suspects remain in lawful custody at the RRS Headquarters for further investigation. They are expected to be arraigned in court upon completion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Jimoh, commended the operatives for their vigilance, professionalism, and swift response. He reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and sustained enforcement against criminal elements to ensure the safety and security of all Lagos residents.