“We Target Cars Parked At Owners’ Risk”: 3 Arrested While Trying To Steal Brain-Box From VIO Operational Vehicle

Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) have arrested three suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly targeting parked vehicles for their brain-boxes and other valuable parts and accessories.

The suspects, identified as Kazzim Iyiola, Mohammed Rabiu, and Alhaji Musa Saleh, were apprehended at the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Oshodi, while allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box from a Toyota Hilux operational vehicle belonging to the VIO.

Speaking on the arrests, Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the suspects had been placed under surveillance following complaints from sister agencies operating within the Safety Arena over the theft of vehicle parts, including batteries and spare tyres, from parked vehicles.

“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, Kazzim, who resides in the Marine Beach area of Lagos State, reportedly admitted that the gang primarily targeted vehicles that remained stationary for several hours in garages and compounds.

He further confessed that brain-boxes allegedly stolen from vehicles within the same vicinity in September last year were sold for ₦70,000 to a motor-parts dealer identified as Tony, who is currently at large.

“We mostly target stationary vehicles. On a good day, we remove two to three brain-boxes. Occasionally, we also target vehicles parked at owners’ risk,” he reportedly confessed.

The other two suspects claimed to have previously worked together as a driver and mechanic at Marine Beach before venturing into the sale of iron scraps. However, they reportedly became jittery when asked to provide evidence of their alleged scrap-metal transactions.

CSP Akerele assured that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, stressing that the arrest should serve as a warning to individuals involved in the theft and resale of vehicle components.

He warned that the Taskforce would not relent in its efforts to protect vehicles and their owners from criminal elements who specialise in stealing brain-boxes, batteries, tyres, jacks, trafficators, lights and other vital vehicle components.

“I urge members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities through our official feedback channels for prompt action. There is no room for criminality in Lagos State,” he emphasised.

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