A member of a three – man okada stealing syndicate, Goodness Allison, has disclosed that his members disguise like policeman and military officer in order to impound motor cycles popularly called “okada”, which are later resold to another person.
Allison, 31, from Idda Local Government, Kogi State stated that the syndicate, comprising of Wilson and Aboki, have collected over seven motor cycles from riders in Ejigbo, Ikotun, Bucknor, which were later resold.
He disclosed that they operate from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. “We normally meet in Isheri Junction but the last operation, Wilson told me to meet him at Bucknor. Wilson dresses like soldier. He wears military polo, long sleeves with camouflage trousers and black shoes. Aboki wears black pullover with black trousers and shoes.
“I was co-opted into the team two weeks ago. Then, I was arrested at Bucknor by Wilson and Aboki on that fateful day at about 9:48 p.m. They said I took restricted road. I pleaded with them to let me go but they told me that I was going to take them somewhere.
“I took them to Ejigbo, where a boy was arrested. I helped them to arrest the Hausa boy and we took his okada. I don’t know what they did with the okada but the following day, they called me and offered me N10, 000. Unknowingly to me, it was same spot where I seized my first okada that I was lynched and arrested.
“Since I have joined them two weeks ago, we have collected more than seven okada. I don’t participate in the reselling, so I don’t know how they resell them and who they sell them to.
We pretend as policemen and seize motor cycles from riders. Some we negotiate and collect money but mostly we collect the motor cycles especially if it is new because that is our target.
“The okada that I am using was bought on hired purchase. It was given to me for N180,000 but I have only paid N90,000.
“We were on operation to seize another motor cycle when I was arrested. As the duo of Wilson and Aboki alighted from my okada, they walked a few distance and I noticed they have been mobbed but I wasn’t sure what exactly their offence was, I aimed to move closer, on a closer look, one of the Hausa boys, from whom I have personally seized motor cycle spotted me and I was lynched, this was the time RRS came to rescue us but by this time, my colleagues have been released by the mob.
“I have taken RRS detectives to the residence of Wilson and Aboki because they live together, unfortunately, we didn’t meet them at home. How I wish, we had gotten them to corroborate my statement”.
Allison has been transferred to SARS for further investigation and arrest of other suspects.
Confirming the report, PPRO of the Lagos State Police Command, Dolapo Badmos stated that the Command is going all out on the remaining criminals in the city, pointing out that, wherever they may be hiding, the police would fish them out.
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