Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a suspected fake soldier allegedly involved in stealing motorcycles, popularly known as okada across the country.
The suspect, Benjamin Okon, who has been parading himself as a military officer, was arrested by policemen, who acted on a tip-off from members of the public. It was learnt that the policemen swooped into action upon receiving the information, which eventually led to the arrest of the suspect on Sunday, January 1, 2017 around 5p.m.
“The suspect was fond of intimidating members of the public under the pretense that he is a soldier. His hostile attitude made people not to associate with him. However, when we suspected his moves, we summoned courage to report to the police,” the source revealed.
The suspect, who made a confessional statement during investigation at the police command, said that he had an accomplice (name withheld) who received the stolen items from him. He revealed that he usually goes to neighbouring states to snatch motorcycles, and his receiver helped him to sell them to prospective buyers.
“I am an expert at snatching motorcycles from unsuspecting members of the public. I had stolen countless Okadas, which my accomplice had helped me to sell. I do travel far and wide across the country to perpetrate this crime. Once I bring the bikes to him, he will pay me off and I will move on to steal another one,” the suspect revealed.
In her reaction, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dolapo Badmus, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of investigation. She noted that efforts are in top gear to apprehend the receivers and others who have connection with the crime.