…Suspects caught removing brain-box from VIO operational vehicle
Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, have arrested three men allegedly linked to a syndicate specialising in the theft of vehicle components, including brain-boxes, batteries, spare tyres, and other accessories.
The suspects were reportedly caught in the act at the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Oshodi, where they allegedly attempted to remove the brain-box of a Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to the agency.
The three suspects were identified as 46-year-old Kazzim Iyiola, popularly known as Sabela; Mohammed Rabiu; and 56-year-old Alhaji Musa Saleh.
A fourth suspect, identified simply as Tony, who is allegedly a motor-parts dealer said to have been receiving the stolen components, is reportedly at large.
According to the Taskforce, the arrests followed a surveillance operation triggered by repeated complaints over the disappearance of vehicle parts from vehicles parked within the Safety Arena and adjoining areas.
Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the operation was launched after complaints from management and personnel of sister agencies operating within the area.
Akerele said the complaints centred on individuals allegedly posing as mechanics while targeting vehicles that remained stationary for extended periods.
“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,” he said.
The Taskforce said the suspects were subsequently apprehended at the VIO premises while allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box from the Toyota Hilux.
Investigators reportedly established that the alleged gang had been targeting stationary vehicles, particularly those left unattended for several hours in garages, compounds and other locations.
During interrogation, Kazzim, also known as Sabela, allegedly admitted involvement in the theft of vehicle components and disclosed that brain-boxes were among the gang’s major targets.
He reportedly told investigators that the group could remove two or three brain-boxes on a good day, while vehicles parked at owners’ risk were also allegedly targeted.
“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 said.
The suspect further allegedly disclosed that brain-boxes removed from vehicles within the same vicinity in September last year were sold to the motor-parts dealer identified as Tony for ₦70,000.
The other two suspects initially denied involvement in the alleged operation, reportedly claiming that they had previously worked together as a driver and mechanic at Marine Beach and had since taken to dealing in iron scraps.
However, according to the Taskforce, their claims came under scrutiny when they were unable to provide convincing evidence to support their purported scrap-metal business activities.
Kazzim subsequently allegedly implicated Rabiu and Saleh in the suspected criminal operation.
The Taskforce identified Kazzim as a resident of Marine Beach, Apapa, while Rabiu reportedly resides in Alaba Oro, Amukoko. Saleh, a trailer driver from Kano, is also said to reside in Marine Beach.
Akerele said the suspects would be handed over for prosecution in accordance with the law, stressing that the operation formed part of the Taskforce’s wider efforts to protect motorists and their property from criminal activities.
He warned individuals involved in the alleged theft and resale of vehicle components that the agency would continue to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations across the state.
According to him, the Taskforce would particularly target the theft of brain-boxes, batteries, spare tyres, jacks, trafficators, lights and other essential vehicle components.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through the Taskforce’s official feedback channels.
“There is no room for criminality in Lagos State,” Akerele emphasised.
