Car thieves from Benin republic caught in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended two nationals of Benin Republic, Kosoko Rafiu and Nunayo Sunayo, for allegedly stealing a car.

According to the command's spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects were arrested on Tuesday while attempting to flee with the vehicle along the Mile 2/Badagry Expressway.

Hundeyin revealed that the suspects had hijacked the car at a function in Anthony village and were speeding towards a police checkpoint when they were finally apprehended at Abule Ado.

The police spokesperson confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Thursday, stating that the suspects' attempted escape was thwarted by the prompt response of the police.

Hundeyin said that the suspects specialised in stealing vehicles from functions in Nigeria, and escaping with them to their country.

“They decided to steal this car while the protest was ongoing in the state.

“They thought of escaping with it with ease, thinking the police were only paying attention to protesters and not other crimes.

“Luck, however, ran out on them after they stole the vehicle at about 12.00 a.m.

“Some police operatives at the Trade Fair Complex, on special duty during the ongoing protests, received an intelligence that one red Toyota Corona vehicle was coming towards their direction.

“The operatives patroled and monitored the event, before suddenly seeing the car on high speed in a suspicious manner.

“The DPO immediately alerted his team for stop and search of vehicles. Immediately, the suspects got to the police check point, they sped off again.

“The suspects were immediately given a hot chase, and eventually the vehicle was flagged down at Abule Ado area.

“Both suspects where promptly arrested with the stolen vehicle,” he said.

Hundeyin said that during the investigation, the suspects confessed that they came from Republic of Benin to steal vehicles in Nigeria.

He said that the Toyota Corona with Reg. No. JJJ 741 EJ and different charms were recovered from the suspects.