I bought 4,000 stolen phones – Suspect

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man, Kazeem Bamidele, who claimed to have bought 4,256 phones from robbers and hoodlums.

The 42-year-old Bamidele, also said he worked with about 52 boys.

Our correspondent learnt that Bamidele, aka Elewure, was nabbed by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad in his shop in Boundary Market, Ajegunle, during an investigation into a case of robbery and abduction.

Bamidele said, “I have over 52 boys who sell stolen mobile phones to me. On the average, I receive 38 phones in a week. I have been in the business for more than two years. I have bought about 4,000 phones.

“I have a shop, where they sell the phones to me, and that is where the buyers equally get them. I know they are stolen phones. Nearly every seller in Ajegunle is involved in this kind of runs. It is what they do to survive. I buy Infinix Hot 2 for N10, 000 and sell for N12,000; Blackberry Z30 for N20,000 and sell forN22,000 and so on.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said investigation was ongoing and the suspect would be transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja.