No fewer than 303 criminal suspects arrested in multiple raids of dark spots in different parts of Lagos State will face trial, the Lagos State Police Command has said.
This comes as the command announced it has initiated a clampdown on suspected phone snatchers terrorising some parts of the state.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Monday, noted that the suspects were arrested over the weekend in an operation conducted by the Rapid Response Squad, Divisional Police Officers, and the Area Commanders of the Lagos police.
Hundeyin disclosed that the 303 were selected for trial after careful screening of the arrested suspects.
He said, “CP (Adegoke) Fayoade has ordered the immediate prosecution of 303 suspects arrested over the weekend during raids across the state, after a careful screening process. The raids were carried out by Area Commanders, DPOs, and the Rapid Response Squad.”
The PPRO added that following reports of suspected phone snatchers seizing passengers’ phones in some parts of the state, Fayoade has also ordered a clampdown on the suspects.
The directive, according to Hundeyin, also instructed DPOs and Area Commanders in the identified places to intensify their efforts in tackling the phone-snatching menace.
Hundeyin said, “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has received reports with concern that young men in certain parts of Lagos State seize passersby’s phones to extort them, despite the sustained raids being carried out by officers and men of the command.
“CP Fayoade has, therefore, directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers, especially in identified areas, to reinforce security architecture and enhance their neighbourhood and foot patrols within their areas of responsibility to tackle this emerging menace.
He gave this charge during an early morning meeting with all Area/Squadron/Tactical Commanders and DPOs on Monday, April 8, 2024.
“The CP has further warned that any officer in whose Area of Responsibility such an incident occurs again would be severely sanctioned, assuring that the command remains unwavering in its resolve and determination to continue to stamp out and make the public space hot for criminal elements.”
While commending the public for bringing the menace to the attention of the police, Hundeyin urged Lagos residents to continue providing the police with the necessary information that would aid in tackling crimes.
“The Lagos State Police Command uses this opportunity to commend everyone who brought this menace to the notice of relevant authorities and further encourages all Lagosians to continue to ‘say something when they see something,’” Hundeyin said.