Authorities apprehend Nigerian resident returning from Canada at Lagos airport in connection with N150m theft that occurred in 2025

The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, has collaborated with INTERPOL Nigeria to apprehend a suspect linked to a high-profile burglary and stealing case, with properties valued at approximately N150 million, in Lagos.

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This development was announced by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, on Monday, during a press briefing, where he described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in crime detection and control within the zone.

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The crime in question occurred on July 11, 2025, when a gang allegedly broke into a residential property and stole valuables worth hundreds of millions of naira, according to AIG Jimoh.

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Initially, six suspects connected to the incident were arrested, charged to court, and remanded in prison custody, while the principal suspect, identified as Joshua, fled to Canada to evade arrest.

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Investigations revealed that Joshua was the accountant to the late owner of the burgled property, and the deceased's daughter had lodged the complaint with the police, as explained by AIG Jimoh.

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AIG Jimoh stated that on July 11, 2025, a case of burglary and stealing in a residential area was reported to the Zone 2 Headquarters, where unknown persons carted away properties worth hundreds of millions of naira.

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The police promptly commenced an investigation into the crime, apprehending six suspects directly connected to the offence, who were subsequently charged to court and remanded in prison custody.

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However, the principal suspect, Joshua, escaped to Canada, prompting the police to launch a pursuit, with INTERPOL Nigeria being contacted on July 16, 2025, to assist in tracking the suspect across international borders.

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The collaboration between the zonal command and INTERPOL ultimately yielded results on June 1, 2026, when Joshua was arrested while attempting to re-enter Nigeria from Canada through an international airline.

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AIG Jimoh disclosed that the suspect, 50 years old, was apprehended around 9:30 p.m. while disembarking from an international flight, and had already made a confessional statement under caution regarding his alleged role in the crime.

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Joshua will be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations, and investigators are also working to track down other accomplices, including receivers of the stolen items, according to AIG Jimoh.

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The value of the stolen property is estimated at approximately N150 million, with the gang completely sweeping away valuables from a five-bedroom duplex, as stated by AIG Jimoh.

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The arrest highlights the effectiveness of the partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and INTERPOL in combating transnational crime, according to AIG Jimoh.

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AIG Jimoh emphasized that the arrest sends a message that anyone who commits a crime in the country will be apprehended, regardless of where they flee to across the world.

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He stressed that there is a strong synergy between the Nigeria Police Force, INTERPOL Nigeria, and other international security agencies.

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AIG Jimoh assured Nigerians that the police will continue to intensify efforts toward crime prevention, prompt detection, and prosecution of offenders.

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The police will thoroughly investigate every reported incident of crime within the zone and bring perpetrators to justice, serving as a deterrent to would-be criminals, according to AIG Jimoh.

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AIG Jimoh reiterated the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, towards ensuring the safety of lives and property across the country.

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The Inspector-General of Police has directed the police to double their efforts to reduce crime and criminality to the barest minimum, allowing Nigerians to sleep peacefully, as stated by AIG Jimoh.