The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended a 21-year-old US returnee, David Segun, and two accomplices for allegedly murdering an Uber driver in the Obalende area of Lagos State.
Commissioner of Police Ishola Olanrewaju disclosed this on Saturday while parading the suspects at the state command headquarters.
He revealed that two other members of the gang were later apprehended in the Chevron area. The deceased driver’s body has been deposited at the Mainland Hospital morgue in Yaba.
According to Olanrewaju, Segun, who is described as the gang's leader, recently returned from the United States after being sent home by his father. The Commissioner explained that Segun's behavior had been a challenge even to his family.
Pointing at Segun, Olanrewaju said, “This is their team leader. He was sent home from America by his father. The mother at home could still not handle him.
The failure of society is placed on the police. We are not complaining it is a job we signed up for. They will be facing criminal prosecution right from Monday.
I wonder the value of what this vehicle will fetch in the market that made them snuff the life out of the owner. Probably the man even took the vehicle on hire purchase.”
The suspects, identified as David Segun (21), Emeka Akwara (19), Samuel Ariori (21), and Lukman Ariori (19), reportedly ordered an Uber ride from Chevron in the Lekki area to Obalende at midnight on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
Upon arrival at a secluded area in Obalende, the gang allegedly attacked the driver, stabbing him multiple times in the neck in a failed attempt to steal the vehicle.
Two of the suspects were caught on the spot by community members, who handed them over to the police. The remaining two were later tracked down and arrested in Chevron.
The Commissioner praised the intervention of vigilant citizens, which led to the swift arrest of the culprits. “On January 9, 2025, at about midnight, a case of conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder was reported.
Two suspects were immediately arrested on the spot by good Samaritans and handed over to police operatives attached to Lion Building,” Olanrewaju stated.
The Commissioner also highlighted the command’s successful crime prevention efforts during the yuletide season, attributing the peaceful celebration in Lagos to intelligence-led policing.
He noted that Murtala Muhammed International Airport had received around 500,000 diaspora Nigerians during the festive period, with most remaining in Lagos for celebrations.
The suspects will face criminal prosecution beginning Monday, January 13, as investigations into the case continue. The police also paraded other individuals accused of kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, and carjacking.