Police operatives from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Special Squad 2, Ikeja, have arrested members of a syndicate, who allegedly specialized in hijacking containers at Apapa terminal in the State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspects, Benjamin Emeka, 46, Olusanjo Adeleke, 46, Mukaila Shittu, 47 and Igbigbise Monday, 48, were arrested after they stole a container loaded with sesame seed products belonging to Osun Agri Commodities and Export Limited worth N55m and escaped.
The incident happened on 7th December, 2023, when the suspects conspired, stole the container and took it to Okota/Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos, where they reportedly intended to sell the products inside it.
The Police did not reveal where they specifically stole the container before it was found in the area, traced and recovered.
However, before they would sell the products, the case of the missing container was reported to the Police, who moved into action, traced the container with the products inside it.
The suspects were arrested and detained at the Command for interrogation over their alleged conduct while the other suspects were said to be at large.
After rounds of interrogation, the Police found them culpable and consequently charged them before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged conspiracy and stealing.
They pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned.
The prosecutor, Supol Akeem Raji, asked the Court to give a date for hearing since they pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that they actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. B.O. Osunsanmi, granted them bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment and addresses verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendants were remanded in custody at the correctional centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when they will perfect their bail conditions.