The Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested three suspected robbers in the Idimu area of Lagos, recovering a motorcycle, weapons and other items believed to have been used in criminal activities.

Police said the suspects were intercepted around 02:00 local time on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, during a routine patrol near Car Wash Bus Stop by First Bank in Idimu.

The suspects — Abdullahi Mustapha (20), Salisu Sannusi (30) and Jamiu Sahidu (26) — were stopped while riding a Bajaj motorcycle.

Officers who searched them reportedly found a machete concealed in their clothing, an army camouflage uniform, four mobile phones, a power bank, and cash suspected to have been stolen.

Police added that the motorcycle, with registration number AKD 40 OM, was believed to have been used to carry out robberies.

What police say

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, preliminary investigations suggest the suspects had been targeting unsuspecting members of the public before fleeing the scene.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects have been involved in robbing unsuspecting members of the public before fleeing the scene,” she said.

The suspects are currently in custody, and police say investigations are ongoing.

Why it matters

Street robbery remains a concern in parts of Lagos, particularly during early morning and late-night hours when commuters and residents are more vulnerable.

Security analysts say routine patrols and stop-and-search operations are critical in disrupting such crimes, but also stress the importance of intelligence-led policing and community cooperation.

Public safety advisory

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities through police emergency lines.

“The Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the State,” he said.

Industry & public perspective

Security experts note that the recovery of items such as phones and weapons suggests the suspects may be part of a broader network.

Residents in Idimu and surrounding communities have repeatedly called for increased patrols, especially around transport hubs and bus stops where robberies are more common.

What’s next

Police say efforts are underway to conclude investigations and prosecute the suspects in line with Nigerian law.

Authorities are also expected to intensify patrols in identified hotspots across Lagos.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has called for an investigation into the alleged allocation of land to senior officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement, Eze said the development, reportedly confirmed by an INEC commissioner, raises “serious concerns” about the independence of the electoral body ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of attempting to influence electoral officials through inducements.

What the INEC official said

INEC National Commissioner for the FCT, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, confirmed that some officials received land allocations but denied allegations of financial inducement.

“…on the land matter all the members of the Commission were given application forms to fill over a year ago under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman. We did so and personally paid the appropriate fees.”

“Last February, half of us got their Certificates of Occupancy that had apparently been signed over a year by the Minister. The other half, including myself, are yet to get theirs…”

Haruna maintained that the allocations followed due process and were not linked to any improper payments.

Eze alleges ‘criminal gratification’

Eze described the land allocations as a deliberate attempt to compromise electoral officials.

“Considering that this devious act and gesture is a criminal gratification with intent to compromise and corrupt the 2027 elections…”

He called on anti-corruption agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate.

“…to quickly intervene as part of their responsibilities to curtail official corruption by those who have placed themselves beyond the laws of Nigeria.”

Why it matters

The controversy comes at a time when public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system remains fragile.

INEC plays a central role in conducting elections, and any perception of bias or compromise could undermine confidence in future polls.

Eze also linked the issue to recent electoral disputes, suggesting the alleged inducement may have influenced decisions involving the ADC.

Legal and governance concerns

Under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws, offering or receiving benefits to influence official duties may constitute an offence.

Eze argued that:

“If a public official… provides gifts or advantages to electoral officials, such conduct clearly amounts to corrupt inducement or abuse of office.”

However, no formal charges have been announced, and authorities have not publicly confirmed an investigation at the time of reporting.

What’s next

Attention is now on the EFCC and ICPC to determine whether a formal probe will be launched.

The response of INEC leadership, particularly Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, is also expected to shape public perception of the controversy.

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a viral social media video alleging an ongoing terrorist attack in Abuja, describing it as “entirely false, misleading, and malicious.”

In a statement issued on Friday, the Force said no such incident occurred in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the public to disregard the claims.

Police spokesperson Anthony Okon Placid said preliminary investigations showed the video was deliberately manipulated using unrelated footage sourced online.

“The video was deliberately curated using misleading footage… to construct a false narrative aimed at causing panic, inciting public fear, and undermining public confidence,” he said.

Suspect Arrested

The police confirmed the arrest of Pam Joseph, who is accused of creating and circulating the false content.

Authorities said the arrest followed “credible intelligence and digital forensic investigations” linking the suspect to the video’s origin and spread.

The suspect remains in custody and will be charged in court once investigations are complete.

Why It Matters

False security alerts can trigger panic, disrupt daily life, and strain emergency response systems.

In a city like Abuja, Nigeria’s political and administrative centre such misinformation can also affect public confidence and economic activity.

Security analysts warn that viral fake content, especially during periods of heightened insecurity, can worsen fear and misinformation among citizens.

Freedom of Expression vs Public Safety

The police reiterated that while Nigerians have the right to free expression, it does not extend to spreading harmful misinformation.

“Such rights do not extend to the deliberate spread of misinformation capable of threatening public peace and national security,” the statement added.

Authorities urged citizens to verify information before sharing, especially on social media platforms.

Growing Concern Over Digital Misinformation

The incident highlights the increasing role of digital platforms in spreading unverified security claims.

Experts say improved media literacy and stricter enforcement against fake news are essential to curb the trend.

What Happens Next

Police say they will continue monitoring online spaces and take “decisive action” against individuals spreading false or misleading information.

The case against the suspect is expected to proceed to court in the coming weeks.