Lagos arraigns over 100 suspects after 130 arrested in Lekki, Ajah raid

Lagos arraigns over 100 suspects after 130 arrested in Lekki, Ajah raid

The Lagos State Government has arraigned more than 100 suspects before the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court following a security operation that led to the arrest of about 130 people in parts of Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah.

The suspects were brought before the court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi, on allegations bordering on breach of public peace, unlawful conversion of government property for personal use and conduct likely to cause a breakdown of law and order.

The arrests followed an early-morning enforcement operation conducted on Friday, September 4, 2026, by operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA).

The operation, which began between 2am and 4am, was reportedly carried out along the Victoria Island-Lekki-Ajah axis and parts of the Coastal Road.

According to the state government, the operation was launched as part of efforts to address alleged criminal activities and maintain public safety in the affected areas.

The LNSA General Manager, Dr Ifalade Oyekan, led the operation, which was supported by officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and an armed detachment of the Nigeria Police Force.

The operation was also facilitated by the Chief Security Officer to the Lagos State Governor, Kunle Fagbemi.

Following the arrests, the suspects were screened and profiled as part of the process of determining those who would face prosecution.

The government had described those arrested as suspected hoodlums, but the allegations against individual defendants remain subject to determination by the court.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution was led by Oluwabusola Omotunde on behalf of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

READ ALSO:

• Lagos Moves to Slash Agency Fees, Curb Rent Hikes With New Tenancy Bill
• Why Did Peter Obi Attend Seyi Makinde’s Campaign Launch? Here’s What He Said
• JUST IN: Tension in Benue as Suspected Thugs Attack Peter Obi’s Convoy, Block Access

The prosecution told the court that the defendants were arrested during the overnight operation and subsequently brought before the Mobile Court to answer the charges against them.

Some of the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, while others pleaded not guilty.

The Chief Magistrate of the Mobile Court, F.J. Adefioye, stressed the importance of deterrence while ensuring that the proceedings complied with due process.

Defendants who pleaded guilty to Counts I and II were sentenced to one month and two months of community service or imprisonment, respectively. The sentences were ordered to run consecutively.

However, defendants who pleaded not guilty were granted bail with two sureties each, pending further proceedings in their respective cases.

The arrests and subsequent arraignment form part of the Lagos State Government’s broader efforts to tackle activities it considers capable of threatening public order and safety.

The LNSA said the operation was also intended to protect residents, motorists and legitimate businesses operating along some of the state’s busiest corridors.

The agency said it had received reports of criminal activities allegedly targeting motorists, particularly during periods of traffic congestion, prompting the enforcement action.

Oyekan said the agency would continue to work with residents and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and respond to security concerns across communities.

He also indicated that similar joint operations could be sustained at strategic locations across Lagos as part of efforts to deter criminal activities.

The LNSA management has also linked its community policing strategy to the state’s broader push for stronger grassroots security and improved response to security threats.

Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court, Olufemi Adekunle, said the court would continue to handle cases brought before it in accordance with the law.

Adekunle reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order while protecting residents, businesses and public spaces across Lagos.

He added that similar Mobile Court sittings would continue across the state to ensure that alleged offenders were promptly brought before the court.

The latest development comes amid renewed enforcement activities across Lagos aimed at curbing public disorder and other activities authorities consider a threat to safety.

For the defendants who pleaded not guilty, the allegations remain unproven until the court reaches a final determination.

Lagos arraigns over 100 suspects after 130 arrested in Lekki, Ajah raid