Fuel Station Manager, Three Others Arrested for Robbery in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects, including the manager of a fuel station, for alleged involvement in armed robbery operations within the state.

According to a police source, the suspects identified as Noble Saint Neokoro (44), Batomie Samson (48), Abubakar Ali (47), and Bitrus Ibrahim (42) were apprehended in the Ejigbo area following a tip-off and subsequent investigation.

“The manager of the filling station is among those arrested, while the owner of the station is reportedly unaware of the alleged criminal activities,” the source stated, adding that the suspects have confessed to being part of a robbery gang.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Lagos Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the arrest was carried out by the Tactical Squad Hawk. He also acknowledged the involvement of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in facilitating the arrest of the manager.

Hundeyin explained that the operation followed the earlier arrest of a notorious gang involved in hijacking fuel and goods trucks across the state.

On June 28, the command confirmed the arrest of seven individuals and the recovery of a fuel tanker loaded with stolen Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The tanker had been hijacked, with the driver reporting the incident at the Surulere Police Division.

“Swift police response led to the recovery of the empty tanker at Orile and the arrest of suspects at a filling station in Ejigbo, where the stolen fuel was being offloaded,” Hundeyin said.

The arrested individuals, identified as Izuchukwu Nwanoruo, Kayode Falodun, Ojo Ayodele, Ayomide Thompson, Ahmed Saliu, Igbalaye Kareem, and Babatunde Ahmed, are currently assisting the police with further investigations. A tanker used in transporting the stolen fuel was also recovered as evidence.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the officers involved for their efforts and reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety. He urged residents to continue providing timely information to support police operations.

The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.