Lagos Police Apprehend Six in N20 Billion Goods Diversion Syndicate Probe

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have taken into custody six individuals suspected of being part of a criminal ring. This syndicate is alleged to have diverted imported consignments valued at over N20 billion from Apapa Port and various other points over a span of approximately 19 years. The names of those arrested include Jamiu Lateef, Abubakar Amadu, Aliu Olanshile, Opeyemi Oyewale, Hassana Malami, and Hassana Haruna.

According to police allegations, Lateef and Amadu are believed to be the ringleaders, reportedly owning numerous trailers utilized for the transportation of these goods. Furthermore, the duo is said to possess investments and properties in the Niger Republic, the Republic of Benin, and other undisclosed areas. Reports indicate that both individuals were already sought by multiple police commands and had faced prior arrests and prosecution for similar goods diversion accusations.

The arrests by the Lagos State Police Command’s Anti-Kidn*pping Unit stemmed from complaints lodged by importers whose consignments vanished after being handed over to transport service providers. An anonymous police source characterized this group as one of two prominent syndicates reportedly engaged in goods diversion activities across Nigeria, with the second believed to operate out of Kaduna. The source stated, “This group is one of the two most organised goods-diverting gangs in Nigeria. The other gang operates and is based in Kaduna. They target goods worth millions or billions of naira.”

It was further revealed by the source that several members of the syndicate had been apprehended previously but allegedly resumed their operations post-release. Notably, approximately four members, including Lateef and Amadu, were reportedly freed from correctional facilities in February, with their drivers following suit about two months thereafter.

Authorities claim the suspects operated within the vicinity of Lagos ports, presenting themselves as transporters to importers requiring goods moved to various regions across Nigeria, including the North and East. They are also accused of infiltrating WhatsApp groups frequented by transporters and logistics firms, where requests for haulage were posted. Once contracted, the suspects would allegedly reroute the consignments instead of delivering them, subsequently swapping their mobile phones and SIM cards to evade detection. During Amadu's recent apprehension, police reportedly seized 11 mobile phones and eight SIM cards. It was also noted that he had previously been arrested in 2023, at which time 49 phones and 188 SIM cards were allegedly found in his possession.

Investigators estimate that the syndicate might have diverted goods exceeding N20 billion in value since its alleged inception approximately 19 years ago. Their most recent alleged operation involved the diversion of forklifts, fabrics, and imported plates, collectively worth around N3 billion. Police recounted that the suspects supplied a truck to an importer for conveying goods from Lagos to Kano. During questioning, Lateef reportedly confessed that the goods were instead diverted to Ojota, Lagos, where they were offloaded and purportedly sold to awaiting buyers. He was quoted saying, “It is true that we agreed to help the importer move the goods from the port in Lagos to Kano. We negotiated, loaded the goods at the port but instead of going to Kano, we diverted to a place in Ojota, where we offloaded it and sold it to our receivers.”

Lateef, who hails from Ibadan, Oyo State, also disclosed to investigators his frequent travels between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, a location where some of his investments are reportedly situated. Amadu, aged 45, informed investigators that his involvement in goods diversion with Lateef commenced approximately 19 years prior, following their acquaintance as truck drivers for previous employers. He reportedly asserted ownership of investments in the Niger Republic, a country where police claim he would retreat to after executing successful operations in Nigeria.

In the course of investigating this most recent alleged diversion, law enforcement officers tracked some of the missing fabrics to an Agege market, where the importer reportedly recognized them. This breakthrough subsequently led to the apprehension of alleged receivers, truck drivers, and the two suspected ringleaders. Authorities further allege that the suspects misled the importer by claiming their truck had broken down in Mokwa, Niger State, thereby extorting extra funds from him for purported repairs.

SP Abimbola Adebisi, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, hailed these arrests as a “big achievement” for the Anti-Kidn*pping Unit. She confirmed that investigations are ongoing to pinpoint and apprehend other suspected members of the syndicate, as well as to recover goods allegedly diverted in past operations. It is important to note that the allegations against these suspects remain unproven in a court of law.