How encounter with Lagos cops restored educator’s faith in Police
What began as a simple act of kindness for Lagos-based educator Chinedu Ibyan turned into a frightening ordeal on the rain-soaked Third Mainland Bridge. But weeks later, the same experience
What began as a simple act of kindness for Lagos-based educator Chinedu Ibyan turned into a frightening ordeal on the rain-soaked Third Mainland Bridge. But weeks later, the same experience would end with a renewed confidence in the Nigeria Police Force, after officers of the Lagos State Command tracked down the armed robbery gang that stole his car and recovered several others.
Ibyan had just finished teaching on Lagos Island and was driving home when he offered a ride to four strangers stranded in the rain. According to him, the gesture was purely humanitarian.
However, moments after the vehicle got onto the bridge, the situation took a terrifying turn.
“Immediately we got to Third Mainland Bridge, they brought out their guns and pointed them at my head, ordering me to park. They took my car and everything and dropped me and another lady who was not among them around Surulere,” he recounted.
Shaken but determined, Ibyan and the woman walked to the Iponri Police Station, where they reported the incident. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately ordered that the information be transmitted over the police radio network.
What happened next surprised the teacher.
“I was told I was very fortunate because the Commissioner of Police (Olohundare Jimoh) responded almost immediately. They said he directed that the vehicle must be pursued,” he explained.
Within weeks, police operatives began making arrests. Eventually, the stolen car was recovered alongside several others linked to the same criminal gang from different states.
Beyond the recovery of his vehicle, Ibyan said he was deeply moved by a small act of compassion exhibited by the officers.
“About 2am when the tactical team came, we had nothing on us. They practically paid for our Uber ride home. That really touched me.”
The experience, he said, changed his long-held perception of the police.
“I’m so grateful to the police for helping me recover my car. My message to Nigerians is that we should give the Police the opportunity to work. They can actually work, and they are working,” Ibyan added.
The young man, who said he’s been looking for a way to thank CP Jimoh for being a model police officer, revealed that he was on his way out when he noticed so many police vehicles around his neighbourhood in Somolu.
“I came closer to find out what was happening and behold, I saw the officers who assisted me that night. I told them how I had tried to meet the CP to thank him and even gone to his office but met his absence and they told me he was actually in the Eko Strike Force building.
“That’s how I was able to get in here and decided to take this opportunity to appreciate the police publicly. I am truly happy,” he explained.
Responding, Jimoh said the incident demonstrated the Lagos command’s commitment to swift response and thorough investigation.
“I listen to the police radio 24 hours. When I heard that a vehicle had been taken from its owner around Third Mainland Bridge, I immediately directed the tactical squad to locate the victim and investigate the circumstances under which the car was taken.
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“Investigators soon discovered that the suspects had posed as passengers before attacking their victim. I charged the team that they must, at all costs, apprehend everyone involved,” the police chief said.
The operation soon widened beyond the initial robbery case with police operatives tracking the gang to a hideout around Idimu in Igando, where they arrested multiple suspects believed to be part of a wider car-snatching syndicate operating across state lines.
“They came from neighbouring states to commit the crime. Apart from his vehicle, we recovered about eight additional vehicles stolen under similar circumstances,” said Jimoh.
The suspects have since been charged to court and are in custody as prosecution continues.
Jimoh said the outcome reflected the command’s broader crime-fighting strategy, which combines preventive policing with strong investigative work.
“For every incident reported, we strive to resolve it. Where crime could not be prevented, we ensure it is promptly detected and investigated,” the police boss added.
