A self-professed Chairman of pickpockets, Ibrahim Kasali, fondly called Ibrahim Babangida of Oshodi in Lagos State was weekend arrested by operatives of Rapid Response Squad, RRS of the state Police Command.
The suspect alongside 21 other suspects alleged to be involved in stealing and robbing innocent members of the public in the area was nabbed during the operation after passengers of a bus which he boarded to pickpocket unsuspecting victims chased him.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Dolapo Badmus, confirming the arrest to newsmen on Sunday said the raiding took place at about 4:30 a.m. and ended at 6:35 am on Friday.
According to the PPRO, the raid witnessed the operatives combing Mosafejo, Bolade, Oshodi Oke, and Oshodi Under Bridge, arresting the hoodlums and social miscreants waiting for early rush to pickpocket passers-by and passengers.
While re-assuring the people of Lagos maximum security, the PPRO further noted that the suspects would face the full wrath of the law.
“Some of the suspects arrested were, Babalola Ahmed, Mutiu Rasheed, Hassan Adeyemi, Sola Omonije, Sadiq Taofeek, Bello Fatai, Oladimeji Ajisafe, Jubril Olamilekan, Rilwan Oyinsola, Kazeem Taiwo, Ayodele Adeeko, Junior Vincent, Ibrahim Yusuph.
“Four out of the 22 arrested suspects who could provide satisfactory information about their identity, upon completion of preliminary screening, were released.
“The suspects have been transferred to the Lagos State Taskforce on Environment for prosecution,” Badmos added.
Meanwhile, Kasali has confessed to the act.
He claimed to be the one who goes around collecting stolen or snatched items from passers-by to sell and share the proceeds among the gang.
The ‘Chairman’ who is dreaded by his colleagues for his ruthlessness and popularity, said he has been to prison four times while one of his accomplices also arrested, Ibrahim Yusuph, 18, from Ogun State, was just out of prison for the eighth time.
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