SAN FRANCISCO, March 31, (THEWILL) – The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Lagos state, Mr Fatai Owoseni, has warned residents of the state to ensure circumspection when employing domestic workers, and to allow proper profiling of their domestic employees by the police.
Owoseni gave the warning on Friday disclosing that some run-away militants/kidnappers dislodged from creeks now disguise as private security guards adding that the police were already taking census of some of the estates where these kidnappers have been posted by their firms as guards, without knowing they were spying on victims.
The police boss warned estate managers, private guards to stop denying policemen on patrol, duty access into the premises saying the police have observed that cases of criminality perpetrated by domestic helps were on the increase especially with respect to drivers fleeing with their employers’ vehicles.
“Criminal elements and suspected militants/kidnappers have found themselves enlisted into services of private security company, where they choose the estates they want to go and work,” he said.
“It gives them platform to do monitoring and then give information to their cohorts outside. The command wants to advice Lagos residents on the need to profile domestic servants and drivers they employ.
“By doing that, they would be helping to secure themselves, protect valuables and assist the police in its quest to reduce crime to minimal level in Lagos.”
“A syndicate group that advertises and present themselves as drivers in order to steal from their employers were apprehended.
“They do so in connivance with guards in some of the houses they work as drivers. We got four members of the gang after a Hyundai jeep which was stolen from the owner’s home, was intercepted at Ondo State, enroute Abuja.
“Through diligent investigation, kingpin James Jacob was arrested. During interrogation, three others were arrested. On a serial basis, they give out themselves as drivers. After working for the family for some time, they steal the car or connive with guards.
“They have confessed that there are five other cars stolen in that manner. James Jacob has been paraded last year for a case of rape and stealing of vehicle. He raped his boss’ house help and stole the car. He was charged to court but unfortunately, he got bail and refused to learn his lessons.
“The gang had number plates belonging to government offices, which they use to move stolen vehicles to places they sell them.”
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