Thugs wreak havoc as remanded cultist regains freedom

                                                     One of the vandalised cars.

Suspected cult members numbering over 50 attacked residents of Akoka, Lagos State on Tuesday dispossessing them of their valuables.

Metro learnt that the hoodlums also vandalised over 10 vehicles parked on Solanke Street in the attack which was said to have lasted for about 30 minutes. Our correspondent, who visited the area, learnt that trouble started after a remanded gang leader, identified as Balogun aka Small Japron, who was released from prison custody under controversial circumstances, held a birthday and welcome party at Kayode Market Street. It was learnt that some of the thugs, who attended the party, proceeded to Solanke and Adenuga Kajero streets where they carried out the acts.

A resident, who identified himself only as Ayowole, told  Metro that when the residents learnt of the intending party, they informed police authorities ahead of the event.

He said the residents were therefore surprised to see that the hoodlums were able to wreak havoc without police intervention.

He said, “After Small Japron was released, we started hearing gist that he was going to hold a party in the Abule Ijesa area. We informed the police at Bariga Police Division as well as the Area H Police Command, Ogudu.

“However the hoodlums operated freely without any challenge from the authorities. I think the state government must look into this.”

Some of the victims told our correspondent that the hoodlums were armed with guns and cutlasses and attacked many shops on the affected streets, while also robbing pedestrians.

Ayo, a film vendor, who also sells clothes in his shop, said he and his customers were attacked by the hoodlums.

He said, “About 10 of them entered my shop around 8pm. They took all the money in my drawer, which was over N20, 000. They stole my phones as well as clothes. My customers were not spared.

“Some of the guys wielded guns. They did not wear masks.”

A bread seller, Mrs. Oluyomi Augustine, told our correspondent that she was about closing for the day when the hoodlums attacked her.

She said, “I was about to close my shop when a customer came to buy bread. As he was about to pay me, the hoodlums snatched his money, entered into my shop and stole all the money I had made for the day.”

Tayo Bodunrin, a recharge card vendor, who also sells noodles, said over N10, 000 was stolen from her.

She said four crates of eggs were broken by the hoodlums.

The victims said it was after the hoodlums had left that policemen arrived at the area.

The Chairman, Somolu Local Government, Gbolahan Bago-Stowe, who visited the affected streets, said the residents were not security conscious.

He said, “The residents know those behind the attacks and yet they have refused to give information to the police.”

 Metro had reported last year that Small Japron, a suspected serial murderer, was arrested by the police.

The alleged gang leader was charged with the murders of Selleh Peter, Ogba Fredrick, Tubosun Salako and James Aromire and attempted murders of Owoade Babatunde and Nosiru Dawodu.

Police detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, said they were not aware of Balogun’s release.

However, it was learnt that Balogun was quizzed by policemen attached to Bariga Police Division on Wednesday over Tuesday’s robberies.

A police source at the station said, “Balogun said he had nothing to do with the attack and has even assisted the police in apprehending three suspects. Investigations are ongoing.”

Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, when contacted on the telephone, promised to call back, saying she did not have the details of Tuesday’s incident.