Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, also known as the Lagos State Taskforce, have arrested three suspects allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box from a Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) operational van at the agency’s premises in Oshodi, Lagos.
The suspects were reportedly arrested on Sunday at the VIS office within the Taskforce headquarters, Safety Arena, Oshodi. They were identified as Kazim Iyiola, alias Sabela, 46; Mohammed Rabiu; and Alhaji Musa Saleh, 56.
A fourth suspect, identified as Tony, who was allegedly involved in receiving st%len vehicle parts, is reportedly at large.
The Taskforce said the suspects were caught while trying to remove the brain-box from a Toyota Hilux belonging to the VIS. They are also being investigated over alleged theft of vehicle components, including batteries, spare tyres and jacks, from parked vehicles.
Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the arrests followed complaints about vehicle parts disappearing from parked vehicles at the Safety Arena.
“I received complaints from top management and staff alleging that men posing as motor mechanics were disappearing with vehicle parts. I immediately put strategies in place to track them down,” Akerele said.
He said the suspects would be prosecuted if investigations establish their culpability and warned those involved in stealing and reselling vehicle components that the Taskforce would continue to clamp down on the activity.
During interrogation, Iyiola allegedly told investigators that the group targeted vehicles that remained stationary for long periods and sometimes sold st%len brain-boxes to a motor-parts dealer identified as Tony.
“We mostly target stationary vehicles. On a good day, we remove two to three brain-boxes,” he was quoted as saying.
The Taskforce said the three suspects remained in custody as investigations continue to determine the extent of their alleged activities and apprehend the fleeing suspect.
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