Taiwo Jimoh 
Two Benin Republic nationals have been arrested for allegedly stealing a vehicle in Lagos.
The suspects identified as Kosoko Rafiu and Nunayo Sunayo, were arrested in an attempt to escape with the vehicle along the Mile 2 Badagry Expressway on August 6, 2024.
The suspects, it was learnt after hijacking the vehicle at a function in the Anthony Village area of the state, were on top speed to evade police stopping them at checkpoint, but they were finally arrested at the Abule Ado area of the state.
Confirming the story, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement yesterday said the suspects who are from Republic of Benin, stole the vehicle at a function in the Anthony Village.
Hundeyin said the suspects specialise in stealing vehicles from functions in Nigeria, with the thought that due to ongoing protests they would have easy access out of Nigeria after committing the crime.
He said: “luck ran out of them after stealing the vehicle at about 12am, while on special duty over the ongoing protests, the Divisional Police Officer of Trade-Fair received intelligence that one red Toyota Corona vehicle was coming towards their direction where he and his men were patrolling and monitoring.
“Suddenly on a high speed in a suspicious manner, the vehicle was seen coming, the DPO immediately alerted his team for stop and search of vehicles. Immediately the suspects got to where the Policemen were they sped off again.
“The suspects were immediately given a hot chase and eventually flagged down at Abule Ado area, both suspects where promptly arrested with the stolen vehicle and they were taken to the police station for further investigation.”
It was during the investigation that the suspects confessed that they came from Republic of Benin to steal vehicles in Nigeria.
The Police Spokesperson however said the Toyota Corona with registration number JJJ 741 EJ, was recovered from them with different charms.
