An Oshodi Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has sentenced eight young men to prison for snatching phones and disturbing public peace in different parts of the city. The convicts were arrested during a security operation aimed at reducing street crime and making Lagos safer for residents.

According to court records, the group had been terrorising commuters, especially at bus stops and busy junctions. Many victims reported that the men often moved in groups, grabbed phones from unsuspecting people, and quickly disappeared into crowded areas. Police officers eventually tracked them down and arrested them after several complaints from the public.

During the trial, the magistrate stated that such criminal behaviour would no longer be tolerated in Lagos. He stressed that the punishment was necessary to warn others involved in phone snatching and similar crimes. The eight convicts were then sentenced to various jail terms depending on their level of involvement.

Residents in Oshodi and surrounding areas have welcomed the judgment, saying the decision will help reduce the rate of petty crimes and boost public confidence in security agencies. Many urged the authorities to continue their clampdown on phone snatchers and other criminals causing fear on the streets.