Lagos CP warns against receipt of looted, stolen items

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Hakeem Odumosu has warned law abiding citizens especially parents, community leaders and traders to reject all items suspected to have been looted or stolen by criminals who wreaked havoc during the #ENDSARS protests.

He reminded residents it was a criminal offence to accept suspected stolen items, adding that anyone in whose possession such items were found would be prosecuted.

According to the police boss, the stolen items were hard-earned properties of innocent Nigerians, noting that the command has been receiving complaints of such criminality.

A statement by the spokesman for the command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the Commissioner was still receiving updates and compiling reports on the recent crisis orchestrated by some armed and criminally-minded hoodlums within the state.

“In as much as the command keeps on receiving complaints against such criminal acts, the police will go after anyone culpable and his or her accomplices, either for conspiracy or receiving stolen items or accessory after the fact accordingly.

“He therefore urged the public, particularly market women and traders, to disown the hoodlums who looted people’s items by not patronising them or receiving such items from them for sales or keep.

“The police boss reiterated and reminded them that criminal cases have no statute of limitation and such cases could still be brought up against anyone involved years after the offense has been committed.

“While he assured Lagosians that the policemen in the state have braced up to continue discharging their duties undistracted and professionally, despite the recent challenges experienced; the CP seized the opportunity to appreciate community leaders and various groups for their support to surmount the crises and encouraged them to continue in the same spirit to promote community policing which remains the major pillar for public safety and security,” said Adejobi.