Lagos Taskforce Arrests Three Suspected Vehicle Brain-Box Thieves, Launches Manhunt For Receiver

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Olorundare Enimola

Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (Taskforce) have arrested three suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in stealing vehicle parts, including brain-boxes, batteries and other accessories, from parked vehicles across the state.

The suspects, identified as Kazzim Iyiola, also known as Sabela, 46, Mohammed Rabiu and Alhaji Musa Saleh, 56, were apprehended at the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) premises in Oshodi while allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box from a Toyota Hilux operational vehicle belonging to the agency.

The Taskforce disclosed that a fourth suspect, identified simply as Tony, a motor-parts dealer alleged to be a receiver of the stolen vehicle components, is currently on the run.

According to the agency, Iyiola resides at Marine Beach, Apapa, while Rabiu lives at Alaba Oro, Amukoko. Musa Saleh, a trailer driver from Kano, is also resident at Marine Beach.

Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the suspects had been under surveillance following repeated complaints from government agencies operating within the Safety Arena over the persistent theft of parts from parked official vehicles.

He explained that reports received by the Taskforce indicated that batteries, spare tyres, jacks and other critical vehicle components had been disappearing from vehicles parked within the premises.

Akerele said intelligence gathering led operatives to monitor the suspects before they were caught allegedly removing the brain-box from the VIO operational vehicle.

According to him, the suspects had allegedly disguised themselves as motor mechanics to gain access to parked vehicles and remove valuable components unnoticed.

During interrogation, the prime suspect, Iyiola, reportedly confessed that the syndicate specialised in targeting vehicles left stationary for long periods in garages, compounds and other parking locations.

He allegedly admitted that the group had stolen several vehicle brain-boxes in the past and revealed that brain-boxes removed from vehicles within the same area in September last year were sold to the fleeing suspect, Tony, for N70,000 each.

The suspect was also quoted as saying that the gang typically removed between two and three brain-boxes on a successful day and occasionally targeted vehicles parked in unsecured locations.

The other two suspects initially claimed they had previously worked together as a driver and mechanic at Marine Beach and were now engaged in the scrap-metal business. However, Taskforce officials said they became evasive when asked to provide evidence of their alleged business transactions, after which Iyiola allegedly implicated them in the criminal operation.

Akerele said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and dismantle the syndicate’s network.

He assured residents that the arrested suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, stressing that the operation demonstrated the government’s resolve to combat the theft and illegal trade in vehicle components.

The Taskforce chairman warned individuals involved in stealing and reselling vehicle parts to desist from such criminal activities or face the full weight of the law.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through the agency’s official feedback channels, assuring the public of continued efforts to safeguard lives and property across Lagos State.