Suspected pickpocket kingpin, 20 others arrested in Oshodi

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Police Command, have arrested a self-acclaimed boss of pickpockets in Oshodi, Ibrahim Kasali, and 20 other suspects alleged to be involved in stealing and robbing pedestrians and motorists.

The arrests, during a raid which took place from around 4:30a.m. till about 6:35a.m., on Friday morning, saw the operatives combing Mosafejo, Bolade, Oshodi Oke, and Oshodi (Under Bridge), and arresting the hoodlums, who were waiting for the early morning rush to rob passers-by and passengers.

The suspect, who is popularly known as ‘Ibrahim Babangida of Oshodi’, was nabbed during the operation while being chased by passengers of a bus, which he boarded.

It was gathered that his colleagues-in-crime dreaded Kasali for his ruthlessness.

“Some of his colleagues arrested earlier agreed he was their leader, and that he is the one that goes around to collect items stolen or snatched from passers-by to sell before sharing the proceeds to all of them,” a source told The Guardian.

Kasali, the source noted, has been to prison four times, while one of his accomplices, who was also arrested, 18-year-old Ibrahim Yusuph from Ogun State, was just released from prison for the eighth time.

Upon completion of preliminary screening, four out of the 21 suspects arrested, who could provide satisfactory information about their identities, were freed.

Among the suspects detained are Bello Fatai, Oladimeji Ajisafe, Hassan Adeyemi, Jubril Olamilekan and Babalola Ahmed. Others are Junior Vincent, Rilwan Oyinsola, Sadiq Taofeek, Kazeem Taiwo, Mutiu Rasheed, Ayodele Adeeko and Sola Omonije.

While confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police, assured Lagosians of maximum security adding that the suspects would face the full wrath of the law.