Lagos Police Arrest 62-Year-Old Man for Alleged N130 Million Bank Fraud
A sixty-two-year-old man, Robert Smith, has been apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command following a petition from a micro-finance bank regarding an alleged fraud amounting to N130 million. Smith, described as a serial fraudster, was among the suspects paraded by the state’s Police Commissioner, Tijani Fatai, as part of his achievements since assuming office.
Recovered Exhibits and Additional Arrests
Commissioner Fatai presented various exhibits recovered from crime scenes, including items linked to armed robbery, cultism, conspiracy, stealing, threats to life, and unlawful possession of firearms. Investigations revealed that Smith used the defrauded funds to fraudulently acquire multiple exotic vehicles through deceptive financial instruments.
Recovered from him were vehicles such as two unregistered Lexus GX 460 models, one unregistered Mercedes GLS 450, one Lexus RX 350 from 2018, and one Mercedes GLC 4Matic. In total, six out of seven vehicles obtained were recovered, with an estimated value exceeding N520 million.
During this period, the Command also arrested 47 suspects and recovered 14 firearms, comprising 10 locally made guns and four pump-action rifles. Additionally, they seized 96 rounds of 5.2mm live ammunition, 29 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, 14 vehicles, and two laptops. The display included 29 mobile phones, a flash drive, and other incriminating items.
Notorious Thug and Cultist Arrests
A notorious thug and suspected armed robber, 43-year-old Jamiu Yahaya, also known as “Elesin,” who had been on the Command’s wanted list, was arrested at Canal, Campus Street, in Amukoko. Upon interrogation, Yahaya confessed to possessing a locally-made pistol. A subsequent search at his residence led to the recovery of one locally-made pistol, two live cartridges, one empty shell of K2 ammunition, and suspected charms.
On April 1, 2026, at approximately 11:06 p.m., the Command arrested 23-year-old suspected cultist Sunday Daniel in the Ajegunle area. A search at his residence resulted in the recovery of one locally-made pistol. Daniel confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity and provided useful information to aid in arresting other fleeing members.
Cult-Related Activities and Firearm Possession
On April 5, 2026, operatives arrested 21 suspects involved in cult-related activities at a hotel in Ajao Estate. They were celebrating the birthday of a notorious cult member known as Actor, who remains at large. Recovered exhibits included one locally-made cut-to-size single-barrel gun, Aiye cult-branded envelopes, Aiye cult-branded plastic bottles, one laptop, and 23 mobile phones.
On March 29, 2026, around 4:30 p.m., 52-year-old Adedayo Bello was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. This followed a report by a resident after children discovered a pillow containing suspicious items within a compound. Recovered items included one English stunt pistol, 96 rounds of 5.2mm calibre ammunition, and three live cartridges. Preliminary investigations indicated that Bello concealed the firearm and ammunition in a pillow to evade detection, with ongoing investigations.
Mobile Phone Robbery and Police Commitment
On April 6, 2026, a suspected robber targeting mobile phones in Iba was apprehended. Acting on intelligence, a patrol team led by the DPO arrested Ayoola Solomon. Recovered from him were several mobile phones, including an iPhone 14, iPhone XR, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone X, iPhone 6X, and an Infinix Android phone, all unaccounted for by the suspect. Solomon has made a confessional statement, and discreet investigations are ongoing.
Commissioner Fatai stated, “In furtherance of the Command’s sustained operational activities and ongoing gun mop-up exercise, police operatives across various formations recorded significant successes. These recoveries are part of the Command’s proactive efforts to rid the state of illegal arms and dismantle criminal networks. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other suspects connected with these exhibits and bring them to justice.”
He added, “The achievements underscore the Command’s resolve to combat crimes and ensure the safety of all residents in Lagos State. I wish to assure Lagos residents that under my leadership, the Command will continue to intensify operations and deploy all necessary resources to bring crimes and criminality to the barest minimum. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the good people of Lagos State for their cooperation, support, and timely provision of credible information, which greatly contributed to the success recorded.”
