The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a car-snatching syndicate operating in Lagos and neighbouring states, recovering five stolen vehicles and several firearms in the process.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, while speaking to journalists at the residence of the syndicate in the Igando area, on Friday, said the command had achieved another breakthrough.

Jimoh said three members of the gang were apprehended in their residence used as their hideout, where they planned and launched attacks on unsuspecting motorists.

“The syndicate specialised in posing as passengers to dispossess drivers of their vehicles during transit.

“They usually board vehicles as passengers, and as the journey progresses, they rob the owners of their vehicles,” he said.

The police boss cautioned private car owners, especially civil servants and professionals, against carrying unknown passengers for a fee to offset fuel costs.

“It is very dangerous. If you cannot afford fuel, it is better to park your vehicle until you can. Many of these robbers take advantage of such opportunities,” he warned.

He noted that while one of the reported incidents occurred in the Lekki-Ajah area of Lagos, investigations revealed the gang had also operated in Oyo and Edo states.

“Our deep investigation into that single crime led to several recoveries. So far, we have recovered about five vehicles, two of which are here,” he said.

Jimoh said among the exhibits recovered from the suspects were a pump-action automatic weapon, an English-made pistol with erased serial numbers and live cartridges and charms believed to be used for protection during operations.

Jimoh, however, assured residents that the command remained resolute in its fight against crime.“We are on top of our game in terms of crime prevention, control, and prompt detection.

“Lagos is safe, and we will continue to ensure that every criminal act is promptly detected and perpetrators arrested,” he affirmed.

The commissioner also appealed to members of the public to be vigilant and report suspicious individuals in their communities.

“We want residents to be our first line of defence. If you notice people without a clear means of livelihood or those who move in and out at odd hours, report to us.

“Criminals are not spirits; they live among us,” he said.

He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for providing logistics, tactical support, and operational vehicles that have enhanced policing in Lagos.

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a notorious fugitive from the Benin Republic, Sunday Kotin, and handed him over to authorities in Cotonou following a discreet operation in Ogun State.

This was disclosed in a statement released by Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Sunday.

Kotin, wanted for crimes including inter-border armed banditry, smuggling of firearms and ammunition, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking, was tracked down by operatives of the Police National Central Bureau of Interpol Nigeria.

According to Hundeyin, the arrest came after Interpol Benin Republic contacted Interpol Nigeria in connection with the crimes, noting that seven members of Kotin’s syndicate are already standing trial in Benin, while he fled to Nigeria.


“Acting with precision and working on credible intelligence, operatives of the NPF NCB carried out a discreet operation that led to the arrest of the suspect in Idi Iroko Town, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

“The fugitive was subsequently interrogated on his transnational criminal escapades and officially handed over to officials of NCB Cotonou,” Hundeyin stated.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers involved in the operation, stressing the Force’s commitment to law enforcement cooperation.

“The Nigeria Police Force’s resolute dedication to safeguarding the sovereignty of Nigeria, preserving the rule of law, and strengthening the bonds of cooperation with international counterparts.

“Nigeria will never serve as a safe haven for fugitives or purveyors of crime, no matter how highly placed or deeply networked,” Egbetokun said.

The IGP further assured both Nigerians and the international community of the Police’s “relentless pursuit of criminals, its steadfast partnership with global law enforcement agencies, and its firm obligation to ensuring peace, security, and justice for all.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, a Nigerian national wanted in the United States for multiple fraud-related offences, including bank fraud, identity document fraud, and credit card fraud.

According to a statement published on the FBI’s website on Wednesday, Adediran, 56, is accused of attempting to cash fraudulent checks and using stolen identities of U.S. citizens to open bank and credit accounts in Illinois. The alleged crimes date back to 2001, and Adediran reportedly fled the Central District of Illinois in December of that year, shortly before his federal trial was set to begin.

“Olumide Adebiyi Adediran is wanted for Violation of Conditions of Release,” the FBI statement said. “In August of 2001, Adediran allegedly entered a bank in Champaign, Illinois, and attempted to retrieve funds from a deposited fraudulent check. He also allegedly used stolen information of United States citizens to open bank and charge accounts.”

The federal arrest warrant for Adediran was issued on January 2, 2002, by the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, following charges for violating conditions of release. The FBI noted that he has multiple aliases, including Kevin Olumide Adediran, Eric O. Williams, Maxo Alexandre, Olumide Adkins, and Edward N. Anderson.

Described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, Adediran is reported to have ties to South Florida.

“The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Olumide Adebiyi Adediran,” the agency said, urging anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to contact FBI offices in the United States or the nearest American embassy or consulate.

The FBI also provided a cautionary note, emphasizing that Adediran remains wanted and should be considered a fugitive. “Adediran fled the Central District of Illinois at the end of December 2001, shortly before his trial in the Central District of Illinois was set to begin on federal charges of Bank Fraud, Identification Document Fraud, and Credit Card Fraud,” the statement added.

The FBI encourages anyone with information to submit tips through official channels, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to apprehending individuals accused of financial crimes and ensuring accountability under U.S. law.