The Lagos State Police Command has arrested six persons suspected of belonging to a syndicate accused of diverting imported goods from Lagos ports.
The suspects were identified as Lateef Jamiu, Abubakar Amadu, Aliu Olanshile, Opeyemi Oyewale, Hassana Malami and Hassana Haruna.
Police allege that members of the group presented themselves as legitimate transporters and obtained contracts to move imported goods from Lagos to destinations in other parts of Nigeria.
Investigators allege that rather than deliver the cargo, the consignments were diverted, offloaded elsewhere and sold to receivers.
The police say the suspected network may have operated for approximately 19 years and is linked to goods worth more than ₦20 billion.
In the latest incident under investigation, imported forklifts, fabrics, plates and other goods valued at about ₦3 billion were allegedly loaded for transportation from Lagos to Kano but diverted to Ojota instead.
Police sources further alleged that some persons now under investigation had previously been arrested and prosecuted for similar offences.
The Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the arrests and said investigations were continuing to locate other suspected members and recover additional property.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and prosecution. The suspects are presumed innocent unless their guilt is proved before a competent court.
The story has a strong commercial-crime angle for LegalLinkz because cargo diversion goes beyond ordinary stealing: it affects importers, logistics contracts, insurance exposure, port commerce and organised economic crime.
READ MORE: LegalLinkz — RULAAC Seeks Independent Probe of ₦150m Theft Case
SOURCE:
Punch — Police Bust Lagos Syndicate Over ₦20bn Goods Diversion
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