A 24-year-old suspected ‘pickpocket’ identified as Taoreed Ashimiyu who was nabbed by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, of the Lagos State Police Command, says he spends his proceeds on commercial sex workers and Indian hemp.
Ashimiyu was arrested at the weekend alongside his accomplice, Kayode Jolaade, 34, in Maryland area of the state.
The duo, who specialize in robbing commuters in Mile 12 and Maryland axis, were caught in the act by policemen after they had successfully removed three phones from commuters in different BRT buses.
Ashimiyu, an indigene of Yemetu, Alawada in Oyo state, told newsmen how he spent his money.
According to him, “I have not spent a dime from my proceeds in stealing on anything tangible. I womanise a lot and I spent my monies on both young and old ladies. I smoked Indian-hemp and drink all sorts of hard drinks.
“Before my arrest, I had removed two mobile phones from commuters during a rush at the Maryland bus-stop.
“It was my third attempt that led to my arrest. My accomplice, Jolaade, caused my arrest today.
“Before he joined me at Maryland, I had stolen two phones successfully.
“It would not have been possible to arrest me if not that my friend joined me at Maryland area.
“People who knew him in the area were monitoring us, unknown to us and after monitoring our operations for some time, they started chasing me.
“On sighting them, I took to my heels. They were many; they caught up with me and started beating me.
“I was able to escape as I ran towards a moving Bus Rapid Transport, BRT and as I was attempting to board, I saw a guy at the entrance, who was trying to assist me in getting into the bus.
“In the process of helping me, I dipped my hand in his pocket and removed his phone, and jumped down, but he didn’t know I had equally removed his phone.
“As I jumped down, the people continued chasing me. When I had no option left, I tried to cross the express way, but unfortunately for me I was knocked down by a truck.
“I was writhing in pains on the highway. People thought I was dead, I opened my eyes to see RRS men, who later arrested me, around,” the 24-year-old added.
Meanwhile, his accomplice, Jolaade, said that he was lured into the crime after losing his job at a private security guard firm based in Lagos.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Oladapo Badmos, who paraded the suspects at the police headquarters on Saturday, said several phones and sim cards were recovered from the suspects including an undisclosed amount of money.
“We are investigating the case,” the spokesperson added.
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