Police Arraign 14 Over Theft of Building Materials at Lagos Airport, 13 Jailed

Police Arraign 14 Over Theft of Building Materials at Lagos Airport, 13 Jailed

 The Airport Police Command has arraigned fourteen suspects for allegedly stealing construction materials at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, with thirteen of them convicted and sentenced to one year and seven months’ imprisonment.

The suspects were arrested on April 20, 2026, between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Terminal 1 of the airport, which is currently undergoing renovation. Their arrest followed a coordinated operation by the Joint Monitoring Task Force (JMTF), a security team comprising personnel of the Airport Police Command and other relevant agencies, during a routine patrol.

Authorities disclosed that the operation was triggered by repeated complaints from project managers handling the renovation works, who had reported persistent theft of building materials within the Terminal 1 axis. This led to intensified surveillance and patrols in the area.

On the evening of the incident, security operatives acted on credible intelligence indicating the presence of unauthorized individuals within the restricted construction zone. Upon arrival, fourteen suspects were apprehended with high-value items, including copper wires and iron components.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly gained access to the facility by impersonating construction workers, thereby breaching established security protocols.

The suspects were subsequently charged before the Magistrate Court for Special Offences in Oshodi on April 21, 2026. Thirteen of them pleaded guilty and were convicted, receiving jail terms of one year and seven months, while one suspect who pleaded not guilty was remanded in custody. The case has been adjourned to June 16, 2026.

Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, commended the Joint Monitoring Task Force for its swift response and professionalism. She reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against criminal activities within the aviation sector and emphasized ongoing collaboration with stakeholders to safeguard airport infrastructure and operations.