By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A self-acclaimed leader of the Ogboni fraternity, Mr Tajudeen Bakare, has been declared wanted by the Lagos Command of the Nigeria Police Force.
A statement issued on Thursday by the spokesman of the Command, Mr Benjamin Hundeyin, was Mr Bakare evaded arrest after some police personnel raided his residence to apprehend him.
He was said to have been captured in a video “wielding a pump action rifle and threatening public peace,” which prompted the police to go after him.
According to the statement, officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), working on actionable intelligence, carried out a sting operation on his residence in the Surulere area of the state.
“Found in the suspect’s residence were three pump action rifles, one Beretta pistol magazine, one expended 9mm ammunition, one expended and three live cartridges and a picture frame of the suspect.
“The suspect, Tajudeen Olanrewaju Bakare, narrowly escaped arrest and is hereby declared wanted,” the statement said.
The police said, “Any useful information leading to his arrest would be highly appreciated and treated with the utmost confidentiality.”
“While appreciating Lagosians for their vigilance and prompt information to security agencies, the Lagos State Police Command once again warns all trouble makers to steer clear of the state as anyone found wanting would be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Mr Hundeyin further said.
This is not the first time Mr Bakare is having an issue with the Lagos Police Command.
In 2021, he was accused of being part of unrest in the Ojota area of Lagos State, which led to the death of a female hawker, Miss Jumoke Oyeleke. He was charged to court for the death of the teenager.
