Lagos Task Force Arrest 132 Hemp Smokers

The Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences Unit has arrested 132 alleged cannabis smokers across the state.

Fifty nine of the suspects were immediately arraigned before the Special Offence Court, Alausa, on Thursday, while 23 under-aged suspects were referred to correctional homes for rehabilitation. The rest were said to be undergoing investigation.

It was learnt that 35 smokers were arrested in the Agege, Pen Cinema, Oko-Oba and Bariga areas, while 34 were nabbed in the Oshodi area. The rest were reportedly arrested in other parts of the state.

The task force Chairman, Mr. Akeem Adedeji, a Superintendent of Police, said the arrest followed the desire to reduce crime rate in the state, adding that the government would not fold its arms and allow crime to thrive in Lagos.

He said, “Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is committed to protecting lives and property in the state to attract more investors and make life easy for the residents.

He added that those under investigation were being screened to determine their culpability.

“It is better to allow criminals to go scot-free than to punish the innocent,” he added.

He said the 23 under-aged boys that were taken to juvenile homes for rehabilitation were between the ages of 12 and 15, adding that they were from broken homes.

Adedeji said, “The unfortunate part is that these kids have tattoos on their bodies. Some have them on their arms and foreheads, while others have theirs on their chests.

“Our investigations revealed that they belonged to a secret cult called, Awon Boys, where they operate in ranks and superiority.”

He added that the adults among the suspects had been terrorising residents of the state, especially at nights.

He said the government took the step to sanitise the state following several complaints over the rising cases of robbery attacks.

Adedeji urged Lagosians not to relent in giving tips on the activities of criminals in the state and their hideouts to the police, pointing out that such would help the government to rid the state of criminal elements.

Source: Punch