Lagos Police Nab Siblings for Robbery The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old woman for allegedly collaborating with her 22-year-old brother and an accomplice to rob her boyfriend. The stolen items include three iPhones and bitcoins valued at approximately ₦15 million. How the Arrest Happened According to CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the command’s spokesperson, the victim lodged a complaint at the Okota Police Division on February 17, prompting an investigation that led to the woman’s arrest. “Following the report, officers took immediate action and apprehended the woman,” Hundeyin said. Upon interrogation, she confessed to the crime, which enabled the police to track and arrest her younger brother. Confession and Recovery of Stolen Items Hundeyin confirmed that both siblings admitted their involvement in the robbery. During the operation, law enforcement recovered all stolen phones along with ₦6.5 million, which has been safely registered with the exhibit keeper. The police are currently working to apprehend other suspects involved in the crime. Ongoing Investigation Authorities continue their investigation to locate and arrest any additional perpetrators linked to the case. Lagos State Police Command assures the public of its commitment to ensuring justice is served. For more updates on crime and security in Nigeria, visit The Nigerian Police Force. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
In Lagos, robbers have adopted a cunning new strategy using tricycles, commonly referred to as ‘Keke Napep,’ to steal valuables like phones and other personal items from unsuspecting commuters. Victims have shared their harrowing experiences, shedding light on how these crimes occur. A Victim’s Experience: Losing an iPhone 15 Pro Max A journalist fell prey to one such gang near the Area C Police Division when his iPhone 15 Pro Max, valued at over a million Naira, was stolen. He recounted how he unknowingly boarded a tricycle operated by a team of robbers at Stadium Bus Stop, heading towards Ojuelegba underbridge. The journalist explained: “I got into the tricycle after a woman alighted. Inside were two other passengers and the driver. Shortly after we started the journey, the driver stopped and asked us to help him lift the tricycle to check the tire.” This request turned out to be a calculated distraction. Despite cooperating, the journalist unknowingly dropped his phone. After paying his fare and resuming the journey, the driver diverted from the original route, stopped abruptly, and asked him to disembark. At that point, the journalist realized his phone had been left behind. Before he could react, the driver sped off with the accomplices. “I reported the case to the Area C Police Division. The DPO assured me that efforts would be made to recover my phone.” Another Perspective: How Tricyclists Operate A second victim narrowly escaped being robbed and shared his insights: “Some tricyclists rely on distractions. They might pretend the tricycle has a flat tire or create another excuse to get you out of the vehicle. If they see you’re catching on, they might return your fare and let you go.” He also added a word of caution: “If I’m in a commercial vehicle that breaks down, I leave immediately. Staying could expose you to danger.” Safety Tips for Commuters in Lagos To avoid falling victim to such schemes, commuters are advised to: Key Takeaway These robbery tactics highlight the importance of staying vigilant while commuting in Lagos. Public awareness and caution are essential to reducing such incidents. If you ever encounter suspicious behavior, report it immediately to the nearest police station. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully dismantled a massive cybercrime syndicate in Lagos, arresting 792 suspects, including Nigerian, Chinese, Arab, and Filipino nationals, for their involvement in cryptocurrency investment fraud and romance scams. Surprise Raid in Lagos The EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed during a press briefing on Monday that the arrests followed months of surveillance. The operation took place on December 10, at a seven-storey building known as Bigleaf, located at 7 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Among those apprehended were 148 Chinese, 40 Filipinos, two Kazakhstani nationals, one Pakistani, and one Indonesian. According to Mr. Uwujaren, the building, which appeared to be a corporate financial establishment, was being used to train Nigerian accomplices in executing romance and investment scams. The suspects allegedly utilized fake Nigerian identities to perpetrate their activities. Criminal Operations Exposed EFCC investigations revealed that the syndicate operated independently with its own power supply to facilitate its criminal activities. The facility was equipped with high-end desktop computers and SIM cards procured for fraudulent purposes. On the fifth floor alone, investigators discovered 500 SIM cards linked to local telecom providers, reportedly used for scamming victims. The EFCC’s acting director in Lagos, Michael Wetkaz, explained that Nigerian nationals were recruited by foreign syndicate leaders to target victims, primarily from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and European countries, through phishing and fake online profiles. These accomplices were provided with desktop computers, mobile devices, and logs granting access to foreign communication lines. “The Nigerian accomplices engage with victims on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram, using fake foreign profiles. They initiate romantic conversations or phantom business discussions to lure victims into investing in sham online platforms. Activation fees for these platforms start at $35,” Mr. Wetkaz stated. Recruitment and Training Recruits needed to demonstrate proficiency in typing before undergoing a two-week induction program. During this period, they were trained to impersonate foreign individuals and convince victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Once a Nigerian accomplice gained the victim’s trust, foreign syndicate members took over, excluding the Nigerian accomplices from the network and the transaction details. Many Nigerian recruits were unaware of their employer’s identity, as they received no formal employment letters or payments through corporate accounts. Instead, they were paid in cash or through personal accounts. Items Recovered The EFCC recovered numerous items during the raid, including desktop computers, mobile phones, laptops, and vehicles. Mr. Wetkaz confirmed that the suspects are being held under a valid remand warrant and will soon face court proceedings. Overwhelmed Facilities The unprecedented number of detainees has overwhelmed EFCC’s Lagos detention facilities. Many suspects are being temporarily held in office spaces due to inadequate cell capacity. Related Arrests in Abuja This operation follows a similar crackdown in November, where police arrested 130 suspects, including 113 foreigners, for cybercrime activities in Abuja. The foreign nationals, hailing from countries like China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brazil, were charged with hacking and cyber activities threatening national security. The Federal High Court in Abuja granted them bail at N200 million each, with stringent conditions that reflect their foreign status. Conclusion The EFCC’s recent operations underscore its commitment to combating cybercrime in Nigeria. Investigations into the syndicate’s activities are ongoing, with efforts focused on uncovering potential links to international fraud networks. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
