Four men have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a daring market raid on Lagos Island, where they are accused of breaking into six traders’ shops and stealing goods worth an estimated N98,395,000.
The suspects—Sulaiman Bashiru (50), Kasamu Olasupo (41), Onitiju Idris (40), and Adams Bolarinwa (40)—were apprehended by operatives from the Zone 2 Command, Lagos, following a tip-off. The men are said to have led a gang of unidentified individuals in raiding Balogun Market, one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs.
According to police reports, the suspects forcibly entered shops owned by six traders—Ebere Chidozie Solomon, Uche Agbago, Nwokedi Onuabuchi, Onanuga Yusuf, Okwudili Odiih, and Gift Okeke Mokuochukwu—making off with millions of naira worth of merchandise.
In addition to the theft, the group allegedly vandalized a 15-year leased building occupied by Abu Ishola, causing further damage.
The outraged traders, having suffered significant losses, quickly petitioned Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade, prompting an immediate investigation. A special police team, acting on intelligence, tracked the suspects to their hideout on Lagos Island, where they were arrested.
Under the direction of Inspector Lasisi Yusuf, the suspects were brought before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, where they face seven charges, including conspiracy, breaking and entering, theft, and disturbing the public peace.
Prosecuting counsel ASP Ibrahim Haruna informed the court that the men’s actions resulted not only in stolen goods but also in significant property destruction, leaving the traders to endure heavy financial losses.
The charges against them violate Sections 411, 340, 309(2), 168(d), and 350 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
Despite pleading not guilty, Chief Magistrate O.O. Olatunji granted the suspects bail, setting a bond of two sureties each in like sum. The accused will remain in detention at Ikoyi Correctional Facility until they meet their bail conditions.
The case has been adjourned for further hearings.
