Port Police Nabs 5

The Port Authority Command of the Nigeria Police has arrested five persons in connection with the alleged hijacking and diversion of a truck load of cocoa on transit to the Apapa Port for export.

The truck with registration number XX776 LSR is one out of the six  transporting cocoa from Ikotun area to the Apapa Port for export and it was said to be carrying about 400 bags of cocoa inside two 20 ft. containers with registration numbers KNLU 342197-7 and  NSKU 221936-6.

According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Omobare Akindemowo, who paraded the suspects in Lagos, the truck was highjacked at gunpoint in Oshodi by some unknown men in uniform and diverted to an uncompleted building in Ikorodu.

The police explained that they recovered the goods at a building owned by one Mrs. Fawehinmi Olanrewaju of 20, Yinka Ogunfile Road, Oluwe Estate in Ikorodu while the driver, the truck and empty containers were intercepted at Iyede junction at the boundary between Lagos and Ogun states.

DCP Akindemowo explained that during interrogation of the suspects, it was discovered that the truck was hijacked at gunpoint by unknown men in uniform at Oshodi who abducted the original driver, alleging that he hit their boss’ car. “This gave them the opportunity to divert the truck and container to Ikorodu where they carried out their dastardly act,” he added.

The suspects were identified as Baba Alike who is now at large and has been declared wanted by the police; Bolanle Ajayi; Ola Bello, the syndicate’s driver; Femi Oyebanji, the intended buyer of the stolen goods and Mr. Niyi Jacob, his personal driver.

The sum of N207,500 was recovered from the intended buyer and his driver by the police while the stolen goods were returned to the owners on board.

DCP Akindemowo warned criminals still parading the ports to flee or face the wrath of the police.

—Moses Falobi