Seven suspected hoodlums were on Thursday arrested in Ilorin by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, for unlawful and violent conduct during last Thursday’s protest by okada and tricycle riders over fuel price increase.
They allegedly attacked one lady, Olusegun Taiwo, who was on a motorcycle on her way to the office.
During the incident, the suspects allegedly forcefully took her bag, phones and other valuables.
According to the spokesman of the Command, Ayoola Michael Shola in a statement on Saturday, the incident occurred at Sango-Kulende area of Ilorin metropolis.
“On Thursday, September 5th 2024, one Olusegun Taiwo (F) of sango area, Ilorin reported a case of criminal conspiracy and theft at the station office of the NSCDC, Kwara State Command.
“She stated that while on her way to her office on a motorcycle, she was attacked by a group of youths, suspected to be hoodlums, who forcefully took her bag, phones, and other valuables.
“Upon receiving the report, operatives of the NSCDC, Kwara state command, arrested seven suspected miscreants involved in unlawful and violent conduct, as well as mischief, during a protest by commercial tricycle and motorcycle riders in Ilorin on the same day.
“After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the suspects are part of the group of hoodlums responsible for terrorizing and causing public unrest in Ilorin, particularly Sango area.
“The protest was overtaken by hoodlums who exploited the situation, engaging in theft of personal belongings such as bags, phones, and other valuable items, which led to increased unrest in ilorin metropolis,” the statement added.
The NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Umar Mohammed, assured the people of the state that the Command remains firmly committed to upholding public order and will continue to take decisive measures against any individual or groups involved in criminal activities that threaten the safety and security of the state.
He noted that the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution in accordance with the law.
