The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 19-year-old Wasiu Kamarudeen, of No. 8 Olaniyi Street, Iyalode Ilogbo, for attempted robbery.
A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Elkana Bala on Sunday said Kamarudeen, with two others now at large, tried to rob members of the St. Patrick Catholic Renewal Church, Jakande Open Field.
He explained that the church was holding a retreat on Saturday, August 31 around 6.20pm when a motorcycle was seen conveying three passengers into the camp in a suspicious manner.
Church members, called the Ilemba Hausa Police Station, whose personnel went to the venue to rescue the situation.
He said, “On August 31 around 6.20pm, the Ilemba Hausa Police Station received a distress call from the St. Patrick Catholic Renewal Church, Jakande Open Field, that one motorcycle was sighted conveying three passengers into its camp in a suspicious manner.
“The passengers mingled with the worshipers, who were attending a three-day retreat, with intent to dispossess the worshippers of their valuables such as handsets, cash and more.
“On the strength of the information, patrol teams were deployed in the scene. The ring leader, identified as Wasiu Kamarudeen, 19, of No. 8 Olaniyi Street, Iyalode Ilogbo, was arrested and one locally-made short gun with one live cartridge was recovered from him.”
The Police spokesman also disclosed that the motorcycle, with number plate Ogun AKM 749 WP, used by suspects was recovered while the command’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad has launched a manhunt for the other two suspects.
The PPRO stated that investigation was ongoing and Kamarudeen would be charged as soon as the investigation was completed.