Zone 2 Police Crack Down on Alleged Ikoyi Robbery Kingpin, Bust Adulterated Oil Syndicate
Zone 2 Police Crack Down on Alleged Ikoyi Robbery Kingpin, Bust Adulterated Oil Syndicate
The war against violent crime and economic sabotage gathered momentum in Lagos as the Nigeria Police Force Zone 2 Command recorded twin breakthroughs, busting a high-profile estate robbery gang and exposing a nationwide fake engine oil syndicate.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Adegoke M. Fayoade, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Adamu Bello Mohammed, said the operations were carried out in line with the intelligence-led policing strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
The robbery breakthrough followed petitions dated February 4, 2026, from the Parkview Residents Association, Ikoyi, as well as Banana Island Estate and other affected individuals, over recurring cases of burglary, house-breaking and armed robbery within the estates.
Acting on credible intelligence and directives from AIG Fayoade, operatives of the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit stormed a short-let apartment at George Residence on Femi-Pedro Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, on February 6, 2026.
The principal suspect, Francis Fidelis, 34, was arrested alongside three alleged accomplices: Hassan Atahiru, 43; Ikpi Johnson Ibiang, 30; and Aishatu Seni Ali, 25.
The operation reportedly commenced at about 7 a.m. on February 6 and extended into the early hours of February 7, underscoring the scale and intensity of the coordinated raid.
Investigations revealed that Francis, said to be a resident of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, relocated to Lagos where he secured short-let apartments within Parkview Estate, Banana Island Estate and Lekki Phase 1.
He allegedly used the identity of his girlfriend, Aishatu Seni Ali, wearing face and nose masks to evade suspicion.
Police said he paid over ₦10 million upfront for one of the apartments, thereby gaining the confidence of apartment managers and securing estate access cards that enabled unrestricted movement in and out of the estates.
For more than three months, he allegedly operated undetected, moving around in a tinted vehicle.
During operations, he reportedly wore a face mask and used a toy pistol, knives and other dangerous weapons to intimidate victims.
CCTV footage allegedly captured him scaling fences to gain entry into homes.
Recovered exhibits include luxury vehicles, seven mobile phones, four iPads, large quantities of gold jewellery, wristwatches, rings, necklaces, burglary tools, a plastic pistol, charms, knives and other weapons.
The suspect allegedly confessed to stealing properties valued at over ₦3 billion from Parkview Estate, Banana Island, Lekki Phase 1 and other highbrow locations since 2025.
Police also arrested Hassan Atahiru, who allegedly acted as a receiver, transporting stolen items to Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Efforts are ongoing to recover additional valuables believed to have been moved outside Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists, the Chief Security Officer of Parkview Estate, Mr Daramola Adewale Dauda, expressed appreciation to AIG Fayoade and the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit led by CSP Mariam Ogunmolasuyi for their swift response, noting that intelligence gathering was instrumental in identifying the suspect who had lodged within the estate for over three months.
According to him, the estate had witnessed repeated cases of burglary and house-breaking, with residents losing gold, wristwatches, jewellery and other valuables.
“These incidents prompted us to petition the Inspector-General of Police through the AIG Zone 2.
The team assigned to investigate really tried. CCTV footage confirmed the suspect.
After searching his room and vehicle, numerous properties were recovered and later identified by some of the victims,” he said.
Daramola added that estate management has since upgraded its security architecture and assured residents that such breaches would not recur, particularly with sustained collaboration with the police.
Engine oil adulteration syndicate uncovered
In a separate operation, the Command dismantled criminal syndicates involved in the nationwide production and distribution of adulterated engine oil.
The case followed a petition to AIG Fayoade, who immediately directed the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit to commence discreet investigations.
Operatives arrested Ngwu Samuel Ebezimakor, 26, identified as the alleged mastermind. He reportedly confessed to producing and importing adulterated engine oil from China before distributing the products across Nigeria.
Coordinated raids across Imo, Enugu, Kano, Lagos and Ogun states led to the recovery of 280 gallons of adulterated engine oil.
The seized products were examined by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, which confirmed that they failed to meet Nigerian Industrial Standards.
Police described the operation as a grave economic crime capable of damaging vehicle engines, endangering road users and undermining legitimate businesses.
Commending the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit for their professionalism, AIG Fayoade reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for violent crime and economic sabotage.
“These breakthroughs send a clear message that criminal enterprises, no matter how sophisticated, will be dismantled,” the AIG said, assuring that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
