“Armed and Organised”: Nigerians React to Shocking CCTV Footage of Lekki Car Robbery

 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Outrage and alarm have erupted across social media following the emergence of a CCTV recording showing armed men vandalising and stripping vehicles within a residential estate reportedly located in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

The footage, dated March 7, 2025, surfaced on Sunday via a Facebook post by Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu. Fasua, who described the suspects as “smart-looking guys armed to the teeth,” said the video was obtained directly from one of the victims of the robbery.

“This video I got from a victim of very organised crime. These are armed robbers who also stripped cars somewhere in Lekki 1. They were caught on CCTV but are probably still at large. I hope they are apprehended. Watch their every movement,” Fasua wrote.

In the video, the suspects are seen operating in a calm and coordinated manner—dismantling parts of high-end vehicles without any interference. One moment in the footage shows them adjusting the CCTV angle, fuelling widespread speculation of possible insider involvement.

Public Reactions: “Where Is the Security?”

The viral post triggered a flood of reactions from concerned Nigerians, many of whom questioned estate security protocols, the efficacy of law enforcement, and the lack of forensic investigation.

“This is almost a month since the incident. Why hasn’t there been any public update or arrest?” wrote Dapo Kale, who advocated for the Nigeria Police Force to adopt proper crime scene processing techniques, including fingerprint collection and biometric scanning through the NIN and BVN databases.

Another commenter, Tunde Alabi, echoed suspicions of insider collaboration, stating, “The way they avoided the cameras and shifted them upward—this was clearly premeditated. Where were the security guards?”

“Follow the Car Parts Market”

Some commenters, like Wisdom E. Nwansi, focused on the demand chain for stolen parts: “Who is buying these parts? If there’s no black market, there’s no incentive. Arrest the buyers and the supply chain collapses.”

Bimbo Olarinde shared a grim assessment of the situation, claiming this was not an isolated case. “This is the organised crime going on in Lekki Phase 1 now. I’ve reported incidents like this to the Maroko Police. They target Toyota Land Cruisers and Lexus SUVs, usually around 4:30 a.m., when security guards are likely to be asleep.”

Calls for Better Security and Forensics

Security-conscious commenters called for a complete overhaul of how estates secure lives and property.

“All these luxury estates need more than gatekeepers,” wrote Nnaemeka Onyegbule. “They must invest in technology—entry and exit tracking, motion sensors, sound alarms, and fully functional CCTV systems with backups. The police too must begin to prioritise forensic investigation.”

Francis Denedo raised concern over the robbers’ apparent training and confidence. “These men used pistols and operated with precision. This is not your average robbery. This was professional. The guards must be thoroughly questioned.”

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Authorities Yet to Respond

As of press time, there has been no official statement from the Lagos State Police Command regarding the CCTV footage or any active investigation into the robbery.

Security experts warn that the lack of publicised arrests or deterrents could embolden similar attacks, especially in affluent residential zones where criminal syndicates view car part theft as low-risk, high-reward.

With pressure mounting from both the public and high-ranking officials, attention is now firmly on the authorities to act—before the next attack is caught on camera.

Ebuka Obi Distances Himself from Ijele’s Continued Detention, Cites Separate Criminal Case

LAGOS, NIGERIA — The founder of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, has officially denied allegations that he is responsible for the continued detention of controversial blogger Chizorom Ofoegbu, popularly known as “Ijele Speaks.”

Obi, through his media and legal representatives, addressed a press conference in Lagos on Saturday, firmly rejecting claims that the church or its spiritual leader played any role in obstructing Ofoegbu’s release after he was granted bail in mid-2024.

The blogger was arrested following a petition filed by Obi at the Federal High Court in Lagos, citing alleged threats to his life. While the court granted bail on June 14, 2024, the church explained that Ofoegbu initially failed to meet the conditions, prompting a formal application to vary the bail terms, which was subsequently approved.

Speaking on behalf of the church, Media and Public Relations Consultant Mr. Dan Aibangbe stated, “Our legal team has verified that Ofoegbu eventually met the revised bail conditions. As far as we are aware, there was no legal barrier to his release in the matter involving Evangelist Obi.”

However, at the resumption of proceedings on October 21, 2024, Ofoegbu’s legal counsel informed the court that the defendant remained in custody and had not been presented by prison authorities. Presiding judge, Justice Akintayo Aluko, subsequently requested clarification from the prosecution.

In response, prosecutors revealed that Ofoegbu was being held on the basis of an entirely separate criminal case, involving charges of defamation and cyberstalking brought against him by another religious figure, Victor Onukaogu, founder of Living Christ Mission, also known as Daddy Hezekiah. That matter is currently before a High Court in Awka, Anambra State.

“The current incarceration of Mr. Ofoegbu is unrelated to the complaint filed by Evangelist Obi,” the prosecutor informed the court.

Mr. Aibangbe emphasized that Evangelist Obi had merely acted within his constitutional rights by reporting a perceived threat to law enforcement. He stressed that the church had never opposed bail at any stage, nor was it involved in the administration of correctional custody.

“Our position is clear: this is not a matter of personal vendetta. Evangelist Obi has no authority over prison processes and has not influenced Mr. Ofoegbu’s continued detention,” Aibangbe said.

He added that the media narrative suggesting otherwise was “deliberate misinformation” and warned that the church is considering legal action against platforms and individuals disseminating false information.

“We urge the public to rely on verified court records and facts, not sensationalized accounts that undermine the integrity of judicial proceedings,” Aibangbe concluded.

The case between Evangelist Obi and Ofoegbu has been adjourned to October 21 and 22, 2024. Meanwhile, Ofoegbu’s fate regarding the separate allegations in Anambra remains subject to that court’s jurisdiction.

Civil Rights Group Urges Tinubu to Probe Defence Minister Over Alleged Abuse of Office

The Civil Rights and Anti-Corruption Network (CRACON) has called on President Bola Tinubu to set up a special investigative committee to probe Defence Minister Muhammed Abubakar Badaru over allegations of abuse of office and conflict of interest.

In a statement on Wednesday by CRACON’s coordinator, Folashade Olumiya, the group urged the president to demonstrate consistency in his administration’s fight against corruption by applying the same scrutiny to Badaru as was done in the case of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.

“The president cannot afford to be selective in the war against corruption. If a committee was set up to investigate Betta Edu over allegations of financial misconduct, then the same must be done in the case of Defence Minister Muhammed Badaru,” the petition reads.

CRACON’s demand follows an earlier petition by the Young Guardians of Accountability (YGA), which accused Badaru of violating federal laws by maintaining active business interests while holding public office. The group alleged that the minister continues to run private companies, including a Bureau de Change, despite clear legal restrictions.

According to CRACON, the allegations against Badaru, if left unaddressed, could erode public trust in the government’s anti-corruption stance.

“This administration has repeatedly assured Nigerians that no one is above the law. However, failure to subject the defence minister to the same level of scrutiny as others accused of corruption will create the impression that the fight against corruption is selective,” the statement added.

“We cannot afford a situation where certain individuals are investigated and prosecuted while others are shielded from accountability.”

The anti-corruption watchdog insists that beyond the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) investigating Badaru, a presidential committee must be constituted to ensure transparency and accountability.

“The Defence Ministry plays a crucial role in national security, and the integrity of its leadership must be beyond reproach. We call on the president to take immediate action, as anything less will send the wrong message to Nigerians about his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption,” Olumiya added.

The group also raised concerns about potential national security risks posed by the minister’s alleged private business dealings.

“It is deeply troubling that the individual responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s defence and security is allegedly involved in financial dealings that could pose a conflict of interest. This is not just about corruption—it is about the safety and security of the nation. If the allegations are true, then Mr Badaru must step aside to allow a full and independent investigation,” the statement read.

CRACON further urged the president to reassure Nigerians that his government remains committed to upholding accountability across all sectors.

“We are calling on the president to act decisively and prove that his administration’s anti-corruption agenda is not just rhetoric. The credibility of this government is at stake, and Nigerians are watching closely.”