Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as the Lagos State Taskforce, have arrested three suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in the theft of vehicle components from parked cars, including a Toyota Hilux belonging to the Vehicle Inspection Office at the agency's Oshodi facility. The suspects, identified as Kazzim Iyiola, also known as Sabela, 46; Mohammed Rabiu; and Alhaji Musa Saleh, 56, were apprehended on Saturday, August 8, 2026, while allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box from an operational VIO vehicle. The Taskforce disclosed that a fourth suspect, identified simply as Tony, a motor-parts dealer allegedly responsible for receiving stolen vehicle components, remains at large.
According to the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the suspects had been placed under surveillance following repeated complaints from government agencies operating within the Safety Arena over the disappearance of vehicle parts, including batteries, brain boxes, spare tyres, jacks and other essential components. Akerele explained that he received reports from top management and staff alleging that men posing as motor mechanics were disappearing with vehicle parts. He immediately deployed strategies to track down the suspects. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects targeted vehicles that remained stationary for several hours in garages and residential compounds.
During interrogation, Iyiola reportedly confessed that the group specialised in stealing brain-boxes and other vehicle components. He admitted that the gang could remove two or three brain-boxes in a day when operations went as planned before selling the stolen items. The suspect further disclosed that brain-boxes allegedly stolen from vehicles in the area in September 2025 were sold to Tony, the fleeing suspect, for N70,000 each. Iyiola subsequently implicated the two other detainees after they failed to substantiate their claim that they were engaged in scrap-metal trading. The other two suspects had initially claimed they previously worked together as a driver and mechanic at Marine Beach and were now involved in the sale of iron scraps.
Akerele assured that the suspects would face prosecution after the completion of investigations. He warned individuals involved in the theft or purchase of stolen vehicle components to stop the practice or risk prosecution. "The Taskforce will not relent in protecting vehicle owners from criminal elements specialising in the theft of vehicle parts," Akerele said. He urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities through the Taskforce's official feedback channels to enable authorities to respond quickly. He reiterated the state government's commitment to protecting residents and maintaining public safety, stressing that criminal activities would not be tolerated across Lagos.
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