In a move that highlights the growing concerns over youth involvement in crime, the Lagos State Police Command has apprehended a 16-year-old boy, Solomon Ibiwoye, for illegal possession of a firearm in the Ebute-Ero area of the state.
The arrest, confirmed by the spokesperson of the Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, followed a tip-off from vigilant members of the community. According to Hundeyin, officers from the Ebute-Ero Police Division swiftly acted on credible intelligence, leading to Solomon's arrest. During a subsequent search of his residence, the police recovered a locally made firearm alongside an unexpended cartridge.
SP Hundeyin, while commending the residents for their alertness, emphasized the critical role of community participation in crime prevention. "We must continue to work together to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods. If you see something, say something," he urged.
The police have since launched an investigation into how the minor came into possession of the weapon and whether he was connected to any criminal activities or syndicates. Authorities are also exploring whether the case links to the wider issue of juvenile recruitment by criminal gangs in the state.
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to rooting out crime and warned that anyone found aiding or abetting underage involvement in criminal acts would face the full weight of the law. The incident has reignited calls for better parental supervision, youth engagement programs, and community policing to stem the tide of youth-related offenses in Lagos.
Meanwhile, Solomon Ibiwoye remains in police custody as investigations continue.
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