Eight phone snatchers arrested on the Mile 2 pedestrian bridge in Lagos State on Thursday have each been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.

The State Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed this in a statement via his X handle.

According to him, the suspects were arrested during a morning raid by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps.

The arrested suspects are: Anthony Osinachi, 21; Victor Onuoha, 45; Rowland Ede, 25; Daniel Chisom, 24; Emmanuel Chukwu, 35; Ogbonnaya Uchechi, 18; Godday Eke, 28; and Benjamin G., 30.

Wahab stated that the suspects were arraigned before the Magistrate Court at Bolade, Oshodi, where they pleaded guilty to the charges and were later sentenced.

“The 8 miscreants arrested earlier today for snatching phones on the pedestrian bridge of Mile 2 Bridge were arraigned before the Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, pled guilty and were sentenced to 6 months imprisonment,” Wahab said.

The Commissioner commended LAGESC operatives for their swift action in curbing the menace, urging residents to remain vigilant and report criminal activities in the state.

The incident comes as Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration intensifies its zero-tolerance policy towards environmental infractions, the unlawful occupation of public infrastructure, and the proliferation of criminal enclaves across the state. (The PUNCH)