Meet ‘IBB’ of Oshodi, chairman of pickpockets in Lagos

His name is Ibrahim Kasali, but he is called Ibrahim Babangida of Oshodi, and referred to as ‘chairman’ by pick pockets and petty thieves operating around the popular Oshodi area of Lagos.

But his lock ran out recently as he was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Responds Squad (RRS) along with 20 other suspects during a raid of the area.

He was arrested after a victim he tried to steal from caught him and raised the alarm, prompting policemen around to move in on him, and others.

The victim spotted Kasali who pretended to be passenger, trying to remove his valuable from his pocket. The victim immediately noticed and shouted.

Seeing that he had been made, Kasali jumped down from the bus and took to his heels, but some passengers went after him and the RRS men grabbed him.

Kasali, it was gathered, acts as a clearing house for other pick pockets and robbers in the area, as he collects items stolen and sells them off, distributing the proceeds to the thieves.

It was also gathered that Kasali who has been to prison four times, is feared by his colleagues for his ruthlessness.

The police said: “Some of his colleagues said he is their leader. He is the one that goes around collecting items stolen or snatched from passers-by to sell and share the proceeds to all of them.”

Police say Kasali and his cohorts were arrested after RRS men raided Mosafejo, Bolade, Oshodi-Oke and Oshodi- Under Bridge areas between 4:30a.m. and 6:35a.m. on Friday.

According to the police, they were arrested while waiting for early hours’ rush, in order to pick pockets of passers- by and passengers.

Among those picked up was 18-year-old Ibrahim Yusuf from Ogun State, who was just out of prison for the eighth time.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP), Dolapo Badmos, while confirming the arrest of the suspects, reassured residents of Lagos of maximum security.