The Lagos State Police command has launched a manhunt for a suspect known only as ‘Emir’ after officer allegedly recovered a loaded pistol from a 22-year-old man during a routine stop-and- search.
The incident occurred along Adetola Road, Aguda, where operatives of the Lagos State Police Command intercepted Olamide Suleiman, 22, during the operation.
A search of Suleiman allegedly revealed dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
A further search of his bag reportedly uncovered a locally made pistol loaded with one live cartridge.
According to the police, Suleiman during interrogation named ‘Emir’ as the owner of the pistol and said he was staying at a hotel in Aguda.
Acting on the information, operatives moved to the hotel to arrest the suspect.
But ‘Emir’ had already fled.
A search of the hotel room allegedly occupied by him yielded another weapon, a double-barrel gun.
The discovery has broadened the investigation, with police now searching for ‘Emir’ and other suspected members of a criminal gang.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Tijani Fatai, commended the operatives for their vigilance and swift response to intelligence from the arrested suspect.
Fatai reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding Lagos of criminal elements and urged residents to provide timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and detection.
The Command also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, vehicles and activities to the nearest police station.
Police said investigation into the case is ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to track down ‘Emir’ and other fleeing suspects.
