Nigeria: Lagos police nab suspected cultist, vehicle vandals

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Operatives of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) have arrested three individuals suspected of cultism and vehicle vandalism in separate operations across the state.

According to a statement shared on the RRS Facebook page, one suspect was apprehended around 10 p.m. last Wednesday near the Toyota bus stop in the Oshodi area. The individual, whose name was not disclosed, was reportedly found in possession of a locally made pistol and two live rounds of ammunition while aboard a commercial bus.

In a separate operation early Saturday morning, RRS officers arrested two men—25-year-old Kazeem Oyebola and 35-year-old Olamilekan Babalola—near the Otedola Bridge. The duo was caught loading six Ford Escape tyres, rims, and other vehicle parts into a Suzuki minibus marked LSD 736 YK.

The suspects initially claimed they were hired to transport the items to Agege, but investigations revealed the tyres and parts had allegedly been stolen from a mechanic’s workshop nearby. Two other individuals believed to be involved escaped the scene and are currently being sought by police.

When workers at the workshop arrived that morning to find parts missing, RRS officers informed them that the stolen items had been recovered and assured them that efforts were ongoing to track down the remaining suspects.

CSP Shola Jejeloye, commander of the RRS, pledged that the squad would not relent until the fleeing suspects are apprehended. All arrested individuals are currently assisting with ongoing investigations.