Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
Operatives of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a suspected fake soldier allegedly involved in stealing motorcycles, popularly known as okada across the states in Nigeria.
The suspect, Mr Benjamin Okon, who has been parading himself as military man, was arrested by the policemen on Sunday, January 1, 2017 at about 5am after a tip-off from members of the public.
“The suspect was fond of intimidating members of the public under the pretense that he is a military man. His hostile attitude made people not to associate with him, however, when we suspected his moves, we summoned courage to report to the police,” a source revealed.
The suspect, who made a confessional statement during investigation at the Police Command, said that he had an accomplice, who received the stolen items from him.
He revealed that he usually goes to neighbouring states to snatch motorcycles, and his receiver, helped him to sell them to prospective buyers.
“I am an expert at snatching motorcycles from unsuspecting members of the public. I had stolen countless okadas (motorcycles), which my accomplice had helped to sell. I do travel far and wide across the country to perpetrate this crime,” he said.
“I robbed and sold looted items to him, and he subsequently sells them to some other persons. Once I bring the bikes to him, he will pay me off and I will move on to steal another one,” the suspect confessed.
In her reaction, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police, Dolapo Badmus, who confirmed the incident, said that the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
She noted that efforts are in top gear to apprehend the receivers and others who have connection with the case.
