…Taskforce launches manhunt for alleged receiver

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

LAGOS — Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, also known as the Lagos State Taskforce, have arrested three suspects allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box from a Vehicle Inspection Service, VIS, operational van at the agency’s premises in Oshodi, Lagos.

The suspects were reportedly arrested on Sunday at the VIS office within the Lagos Taskforce headquarters, Safety Arena, Oshodi.

They were identified as Kazim Iyiola, alias Sabela, 46; Mohammed Rabiu; and Alhaji Musa Saleh, 56.

A fourth suspect, identified as Tony, who the taskforce said was allegedly involved in receiving stolen vehicle parts, is reportedly at large.

The suspects were allegedly caught while attempting to remove the brain-box from a Toyota Hilux operational vehicle belonging to the VIS.

The taskforce said the suspects were being investigated over alleged involvement in the theft of vehicle components from parked vehicles.

Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the suspects were arrested following complaints about the disappearance of vehicle parts from parked vehicles within the Safety Arena.

According to him, the complaints included the alleged theft of batteries, spare tyres, jacks and other vehicle components.

“I received complaints from top management and staff alleging that men posing as motor mechanics were disappearing with vehicle parts. I immediately put strategies in place to track them down,” Akerele said.

He said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law if investigations establish their culpability.

Akerele warned individuals involved in the theft and resale of vehicle components that the taskforce would continue to clamp down on such activities.

He urged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the taskforce’s official channels to enable prompt intervention.

During interrogation, Iyiola reportedly told investigators that the group targeted vehicles that remained stationary for extended periods.

He allegedly disclosed that stolen brain-boxes were sometimes sold to a motor-parts dealer identified as Tony.

According to him, the suspects had previously removed vehicle parts from parked vehicles in the area.

“We mostly target stationary vehicles. On a good day, we remove two to three brain-boxes,” he was quoted as saying.

The taskforce said investigations were ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ alleged activities and to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

It added that the three suspects remained in custody pending further investigation and possible prosecution.