Lagos Taskforce Arrests Three Over Alleged Vehicle Brain-Box Theft

The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as the Lagos State Taskforce, has arrested three suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in the theft of vehicle parts, including brain-boxes, batteries, spare tyres and other accessories.

The suspects, identified as 46-year-old Kazzim Iyiola, also known as Sabela; Mohammed Rabiu; and 56-year-old Alhaji Musa Saleh, were arrested at the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in Oshodi while allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box from a Toyota Hilux operational vehicle belonging to the agency.

A fourth suspect, identified as Tony, a motor-parts dealer allegedly responsible for receiving stolen vehicle components, is currently at large.

The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the suspects were apprehended following surveillance mounted after repeated complaints about the disappearance of vehicle parts from parked vehicles within the Safety Arena.

Akerele said the complaints involved the theft of batteries, spare tyres, jacks and other essential vehicle components.

He said, “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.”

During interrogation, Iyiola reportedly admitted that the syndicate targeted vehicles that remained stationary for extended periods in garages and compounds.

He allegedly disclosed that the group could remove two to three brain-boxes on a good day and had previously stolen several vehicle components from vehicles within the area.

According to the Taskforce, Iyiola also revealed that brain-boxes allegedly stolen from vehicles in the same vicinity in September last year were sold to Tony for ₦70,000.

The other two suspects initially claimed that they had previously worked together as a driver and mechanic at Marine Beach and were currently engaged in scrap-metal trading. However, they reportedly became apprehensive when asked to provide evidence of their alleged scrap-metal transactions.

Iyiola subsequently implicated Rabiu and Saleh in the alleged criminal activities.

Akerele assured that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, warning individuals involved in the theft and resale of vehicle components that the Taskforce would continue to clamp down on such activities.

He said the agency would intensify efforts to protect vehicle owners from criminals targeting brain-boxes, batteries, tyres, jacks, trafficators, lights and other vital vehicle components.

The Taskforce chairman also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the agency’s official feedback channels to enable prompt intervention.

“There is no room for criminality in Lagos State,” he emphasised.