Wasiu Kamarudeen, 19, has been arrested by the Lagos state police command after engaging in a robbery operation with two others at the Jakande open field, which was the venue of a three-day retreat organised by the St. Patrick Catholic Renewal Church.
Recovered from the suspect was a locally-made short gun with one live-cartridge. He is said to be a resident of No. 8 Olaniyi Street in Iyalode Ilogbo of Badagry, Lagos state.
The arrest was made after church members alerted the police when a motorcycle was seen conveying three passengers into the camp in a suspicious manner.
Lagos police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bala Elkana said the passengers mingled with the worshippers with the intent of dispossessing them of their valuables. He also said the command’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad has launched a manhunt for the other two suspects.
He said:
“On August 31 around 6.20pm, the Ilemba Hausa Police Station received a distress call from the St. Patrick Catholic Renewal Church, Jakande Open Field, that one motorcycle was sighted conveying three passengers into its camp in a suspicious manner.
“The passengers mingled with the worshipers, who were attending a three-day retreat, with intent to dispossess the worshippers of their valuables such as handsets, cash and more.
“On the strength of the information, patrol teams were deployed in the scene. The ring leader, identified as Wasiu Kamarudeen, 19, of No. 8 Olaniyi Street, Iyalode Ilogbo, was arrested and one locally-made short gun with one live cartridge was recovered from him.”
