CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arraigned a 19-year-old, Umar Mohammed Abubakar, before a Lagos Magisterial District Court over alleged conspiracy to commit armed robbery and attempted robbery.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the incident was said to have occurred on April 22, 2026 at about 8:30pm in the Anthony area of Lagos.
The Police alleged that the defendant and others now at large conspired to commit felony, specifically armed robbery, an offence contrary to Section 299 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
In a second count, the prosecution also alleged that on the same date, time and place, the suspect and others attempted to rob members of the public while armed with one cutlass. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 298(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
The case was handled by the Command Tactical Squad One, CTSQ-1, Ikeja, under the supervision of SP Banti Adamu, O/C of the unit. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the charge was Inspector Omorodion Ikuvbogie.
Police sources said the suspect was apprehended following intelligence and patrols within the Anthony axis after reports of attempted robbery in the area.
After the conclusion of investigations, the case file was forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Lagos State Ministry of Justice for legal advice.
Following DPP’s advice, the Police arraigned the defendant before the Lagos Magisterial District and the charge was read to him in the open court.
However, the Court did not take his plea. Prosecuting Counsel, SP Philip Ademigbuji, moved a motion asking the Court to refer the matter back to the DPP for further legal advice.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, ordered the remand of the defendant in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice. The Magistrate also directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file and forward it to the DPP.
The matter was adjourned for mention to await the report of the DPP’s advice, which will determine the appropriate jurisdiction for trial.
The Police emphasized that the arraignment is part of ongoing efforts to check violent crimes and protect residents across the state.
Authorities said tactical teams have been directed to increase visibility and response time in commercial and residential areas, especially during evening hours.
The Police reiterated that every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty and urged members of the public to provide useful information to aid crime prevention.
