No fewer than four suspects have been arrested by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, over the alleged vandalism and theft of telecommunication equipment valued at about N150 million in Lagos State.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit during an intelligence-led investigation into attacks on telecommunication facilities.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), FCID Annex, Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday, where he presented updates on cases handled by the department.
According to the Ukpanudom, the investigation followed a petition received on August 11 from PLUTOLORD Solicitors on behalf of ATC Telecommunications Nationwide
The alleged that armed hoodlums attacked, robbed and vandalised telecommunication facilities between March and May 2026, carting away equipment including modules, solar batteries, solar panels and generators valued at about N150 million.
The investigation led to the arrest of Abuchi Odikemere, 29; Anyanwu Emmanuel, 28; Kayode Segun, 28; and Emmanuel Chineku, 17, at a shop in the Kosofe area of Lagos.
Police said the operation also led to the recovery of two surveillance cameras, 52 solar batteries, a hammer, a chisel, three small solar panels and two solar meters, which were identified by the petitioners as stolen property.
“Efforts are ongoing to dismantle and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, while the suspects in custody will be charged in court on relevant charges,” Akpanudom said.
In another case, the department investigated a complaint of conspiracy, shop breaking, malicious damage, stealing and receiving stolen property following a petition by Ashaye Olalekan.
The petitioner alleged that armed hoodlums broke into his shop at Ogudu Roundabout, Ojota, Lagos, on May 19, 2026, and stole 90 brand-new mobile phones, 42 smart watches, two Oraimo speakers, 105 power banks and other phone accessories valued at about N20 million.
According to the AIG, the suspects also allegedly damaged seven CCTV cameras, the shop’s show glasses, entrance door and other property.
Detectives subsequently arrested four suspects, comprising three males and a female alleged to be the receiver of the stolen goods, while some of the property was recovered.
“Recovered items included three (3) phones, one power bank, three (3) generators, and other electronics. The suspects admitted that they sold most of the stolen phones and accessories to a transborder receiver. The suspects have been charged to court accordingly,” Akpanudom said.
According to him, the suspects admitted selling most of the stolen phones and accessories to a transborder receiver, adding that they have since been charged to court.
In another development, the FCID investigated a petition from Country Hill Attorney & Solicitors, Plot 3B Esther Adeleke Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, on behalf of Access Bank Plc over a fake publication circulated on social media.
The petition, dated July 30, 2026, followed a Facebook post published on July 28 by one Idorenyin Umoh, claiming to be from Access Bank and announcing that the bank would shut down operations from September 23, 2026.
The publication also advised the bank’s customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
According to Akpanudom, the publication spread to other social media platforms within a day.
“The petitioners believed this malicious publication could cause the Bank’s collapse, an economic crisis, and national embarrassment; hence, they petitioned,” he said.
The police boss said detectives subsequently arrested Umoh and her associate, Fineness Monday Esu, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Both suspects, according to the AIG, admitted belonging to a WhatsApp group known as “Queendom”, where Esu allegedly posted the message on July 28, while Umoh copied it and published it on her Facebook account, “Aidee Umoh”, which has more than 12,000 followers.
“The suspects have been arraigned on relevant charges at the Federal High Court, Lagos,” Akpanudom said.
The AIG thanked the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, FCID Annex, Lagos, as well as his supervising DIG, DIG Margaret Ochalla, and the Force Management Team.
He also thanked officers and men of the Annex, members of the public, financial institutions, government agencies, the judiciary, sister law enforcement agencies, corporate and professional bodies and the media for their cooperation.
Akpanudom said the FCID Annex would continue to prosecute suspects found culpable after investigations.
“The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, wishes to reassure members of the public that all suspects found culpable at the conclusion of investigations will be prosecuted diligently in courts of competent jurisdiction in accordance with extant laws,” he said.
He added, “The Department remains resolute in its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure, combating economic sabotage, preventing fraud, and maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.”
Akpanudom urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with information.
“To the good-meaning members of the public, continue supporting the Nigeria Police Force with timely, credible, and actionable information to help prevent and combat crime,” he said.
He said the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Disu, remained committed to “professionalism, diligence, accountability, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of lives and property.”