Balogun Market heist: Four arrested for allegedly looting N98.3m goods
Tinubu Magistrates court
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Paul Iyoghojie
Lagos Island was thrown into shock as four men allegedly orchestrated a daring market raid, breaking into traders’ shops and carting away goods worth a staggering N98,395,000.
The accused—Sulaiman Bashiru (50), Kasamu Olasupo (41), Onitiju Idris (40), and Adams Bolarinwa (40)—were arrested by operatives of Zone 2 Command, Lagos, after allegedly leading a gang of yet-to-be-identified hoodlums to ransack Balogun Market.
According to police reports, the suspects forcefully broke into six traders’ shops, belonging to Ebere Chidozie Solomon, Uche Agbago, Nwokedi Onuabuchi, Onanuga Yusuf, Okwudili Odiih, and Gift Okeke Mokuochukwu, looting millions worth of goods.
They also allegedly vandalized a 15-year leased building legally occupied by one Abu Ishola.
The aggrieved traders wasted no time in seeking justice, petitioning AIG Adegoke Fayoade, who ordered a full-scale manhunt.
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Acting on intelligence, a crack police team tracked down the suspects at their Lagos Island hideout, leading to their arrest.
Following investigations led by Inspector Lasisi Yusuf, the four suspects were arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting at Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, on a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, breaking and entry, stealing, and conduct likely to breach public peace.
ASP Ibrahim Haruna, the prosecuting counsel, told the court that the accused not only stole goods but also orchestrated destruction, leaving traders counting heavy losses.
Their alleged offences violate Sections 411, 340, 309(2), 168(d), and 350 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
Despite pleading not guilty, Chief Magistrate O.O. Olatunji granted them bail, requiring two sureties each in like sum. Until they meet their bail conditions, the accused will remain in detention at Ikoyi Correctional Facility.
The case has been adjourned for further hearing.
