3 Arrested In Lagos For Allegedly Targeting VIS Van To Remove Brain-Boxes

Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as the Lagos State Taskforce, have arrested three men allegedly caught attempting to remove the brain-box from a Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) operational van in Oshodi, Lagos.

The suspects, identified as 46-year-old Kazim Iyiola, alias Sabela; Mohammed Rabiu; and 56-year-old Alhaji Musa Saleh, were reportedly arrested on Sunday at the VIS office located within the Lagos Taskforce headquarters, Safety Arena, Oshodi.

According to the taskforce, the men were allegedly caught while attempting to dismantle the brain-box from a Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to the VIS.

A fourth suspect, identified as Tony, who was allegedly involved in receiving stolen vehicle parts, is reportedly on the run.

The arrests followed complaints over the disappearance of vehicle components from vehicles parked within the Safety Arena. The taskforce said the missing items included batteries, spare tyres, jacks and other vehicle parts.

Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said he ordered investigations after receiving reports that individuals posing as motor mechanics were allegedly stealing parts from parked vehicles.

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“I received complaints from top management and staff alleging that men posing as motor mechanics were disappearing with vehicle parts. I immediately put strategies in place to track them down,” Akerele said.

During interrogation, Iyiola allegedly told investigators that the group targeted vehicles that remained stationary for long periods.

He reportedly claimed that on a good day, they could remove two to three brain-boxes from vehicles.

“We mostly target stationary vehicles. On a good day, we remove two to three brain-boxes,” he was quoted as saying.

The suspect also allegedly disclosed that some stolen brain-boxes were sold to a motor-parts dealer identified as Tony.

The taskforce said the suspects were being investigated over their alleged involvement in the theft of vehicle components from parked vehicles in the area.

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Akerele warned those involved in stealing and reselling vehicle parts to desist, stressing that the taskforce would continue its crackdown on such activities.

He added that the suspects would be prosecuted if investigations establish their culpability.

Vanguard reports that the three suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, Tony.