LAGOS TASKFORCE ARRESTS THREE OVER VEHICLE BRAIN-BOX THEFT

…Suspects caught removing brain-box from VIO operational vehicle

Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (Taskforce) have arrested three suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly specialising in the theft of vehicle parts, particularly brain-boxes and other accessories, from parked vehicles.

The suspects, identified as Kazzim Iyiola, aka Sabela, 46; Mohammed Rabiu; and Alhaji Musa Saleh, 56, were apprehended today at the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Oshodi, while allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box from a Toyota Hilux operational vehicle belonging to the VIO.

A fourth suspect, identified simply as Tony, a motor-parts dealer allegedly involved in receiving the stolen items, is currently at large.

Kazzim Iyiola, of Marine Beach, Apapa, and Mohammed Rabiu, of Alaba Oro, Amukoko, are among those arrested, while Musa Saleh, a trailer driver from Kano who resides in Marine Beach, was also taken into custody.

Speaking on the arrest, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the suspects had been placed under surveillance following repeated complaints from sister agencies operating within the Safety Arena over the disappearance of vehicle parts from parked vehicles.

According to him, the complaints involved the theft of items including batteries, spare tyres, jacks and other essential vehicle components.

“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.

During interrogation, Kazzim, also known as Sabela, reportedly admitted that the gang primarily targeted vehicles that remained stationary for several hours in garages and compounds.

He further confessed that they had stolen several vehicle parts, particularly brain-boxes, in the past, revealing that brain-boxes allegedly removed from vehicles within the same vicinity in September last year were sold to Tony for ₦70,000.

“We mostly target stationary vehicles. On a good day, we remove two to three brain-boxes. Occasionally, we also target vehicles parked at owners’ risk,” he reportedly confessed.

The other two suspects initially claimed to have previously worked together as a driver and mechanic at Marine Beach and were now involved in the sale of iron scraps. However, they reportedly became jittery when asked to provide evidence of their alleged scrap-metal business transactions.

Kazzim subsequently implicated Mohammed and Musa in the alleged criminal activities.

CSP Akerele assured that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, stressing that the arrest should serve as a warning to individuals involved in the theft and resale of vehicle components.

He warned that the Taskforce would not relent in its efforts to protect vehicles and their owners from criminal elements who specialise in stealing brain-boxes, batteries, tyres, jacks, trafficators, lights and other vital vehicle components.

“I urge members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities through our official feedback channels for prompt action. There is no room for criminality in Lagos State,” he emphasised.

Gbadeyan Abdulraheem
Director, Press & Public Affairs
Lagos State Taskforce