Alleged Murder Gang Apprehended in Lagos Following Weeks-Long Police Operation
The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 headquarters in Onikan, Lagos, has successfully arrested a notorious criminal gang after an extensive manhunt spanning several weeks. The operation led to the capture of key suspects involved in multiple violent offenses, including murder, armed robbery, and theft.
Arrest of Prime Suspect and Gang Members
Fawas Alarape, 23, also known as Karube, was identified as a central figure in numerous criminal activities. He was apprehended on March 3, 2026, by operatives from the Zonal Puff Adder team. Following his arrest, police leveraged information obtained during interrogation to conduct further raids.
Alarape and five other individuals are alleged to be responsible for the murders of Olumide Adegbite, 40, on February 14, 2026, and Kehinde Shuaibu, 37, and Monday Okoro, 35, on February 18, 2026, all occurring in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos.
Raid on Criminal Hideout and Recovery of Evidence
On March 5, 2026, police raided a criminal hideout dubbed Lion's Den on Adeleye Street in Orile Iganmu. This operation resulted in the arrest of five additional suspects:
- Bamidele Mustapha, 33, alias Mentor
- Soliu Ahmed, 22, alias Tinko Butcher Man
- Oluwaseun Bolarinwa, 26, alias Porta
- Abass Abideen, 22, alias Omo Olomo
- Salisu Ali, 24, alias Omo Hausa
- Atanda Lukmon, 30, alias Bansa
During the raid, law enforcement recovered a significant cache of weapons and items, including one local shotgun, four cutlasses, one knife, one claw hammer, four live cartridges, three expended cartridges, and various charms.
Confessions and Ongoing Investigations
Gbenga Afolayan, spokesperson for the command, revealed that during interrogation, Alarape confessed to involvement in the murder of a tricycle rider identified as Ikujowolo at Shitta under bridge in Surulere, Lagos. The victim was robbed of his tricycle and subsequently shot dead.
Alarape further disclosed that the crime was carried out alongside Ahmed Oladele, alias Small Messi, who remains at large and is believed to be in possession of four firearms. Other suspects, including Mustapha Bamidele, Bolarinwa Oluwaseun, and Soliu Ahmed, were also implicated in the attack.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with investigations. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries for multiple offenses, including murder, armed robbery, stealing, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, and criminal conspiracy.
Police Commendation and Public Appeal
Assistant Inspector General of Police Olohundare Jimoh praised the operatives for their professionalism, bravery, and commitment to duty. He reiterated the resolve of the zonal headquarters to eradicate criminal elements from Lagos and Ogun states, ensuring the safety of lives and property for residents.
The Zone 2 headquarters has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance security efforts.
