Pickpockets leader, 21 others arrested in Lagos

The operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command, have reportedly arrested a self-acclaimed Chairman of pickpockets in Oshodi, Lagos, Ibrahim Kasali, and 20 other suspects alleged to be involved in stealing and robbing innocent members of public in the area.

During the arrest in the early hours of last Friday in Mosafejo, Bolade, Oshodi Oke, and Oshodi Under Bridge, hoodlums and social miscreants waiting for early rush to pickpocket passers-by and passengers were nabbed.

The lead suspect, who is popularly known as Ibrahim Babangida of Oshodi, was arrested while being chased by passengers of a bus which he boarded to pickpocket.

It was gathered that Kasali is feared by his colleagues for his ruthlessness and popularity. “Some of his colleagues earlier arrested gave him out as their leader, and that he is the one that goes around to collect items stolen or snatched from passers-by to sell and share the proceeds to all of them,” our source added.

Kasali, the source noted, has been to prison four times while one of his accomplices also arrested, Ibrahim Yusuph, 18, from Ogun State, was just out of prison for the eighth time.
According to the RRS, upon completion of preliminary screening, four out of 21 arrested suspects, who could provide satisfactory information about their identity, were released.

The Nation, August 28

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