The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old US returnee, David Segun, and three others for allegedly killing an Uber driver in the Obalende area of Lagos State.
The suspects, including Emeka Akwara (19), Samuel Ariori (21), and Lukman Ariori (19), were paraded on Saturday at the state command headquarters by the Commissioner of Police, Ishola Olanrewaju.
According to Olanrewaju, the group ordered an Uber ride from Chevron, Lekki, to Obalende at midnight on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Upon arriving at a deserted area in Obalende, they allegedly robbed and stabbed the driver multiple times in the neck.
“The suspects were unable to snatch the vehicle,” Olanrewaju said. “However, two of them were immediately apprehended at the scene by members of the community and handed over to the police. The other two suspects were later arrested in the Chevron area.”
The police disclosed that the deceased driver’s body has been deposited at the morgue in Mainland Hospital, Yaba, as investigations continue.
While parading the suspects, Olanrewaju described Segun as the gang’s leader and revealed that he had recently returned to Nigeria from the United States.
“This is their team leader,” the commissioner said, pointing to Segun. “He was sent home from America by his father, and even his mother could not manage him. Unfortunately, this failure of society often becomes the police’s responsibility.”
Olanrewaju expressed shock at the incident, saying, “I wonder what value they thought the vehicle could fetch in the market to justify taking the owner’s life. It’s possible the driver even got the car on hire purchase.”
The suspects are set to face criminal prosecution starting Monday.
In addition to the murder case, the police paraded other suspects for crimes such as kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, and carjacking.
Olanrewaju also highlighted the command’s efforts in maintaining peace during the festive season, citing intelligence-led policing that ensured a secure yuletide period in Lagos.
“Murtala Muhammed Airport received no less than 500,000 Nigerians from the diaspora during this period, and 90% of them celebrated within Lagos without incidents,” the police chief noted.
