The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a Chinese national, identified as Joe Gu, in connection with the recent improvised explosive device (IED) explosion that occurred inside a CCTV equipment shop on Kodesho Street, Ikeja.
Bellnews learned that detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, apprehended the suspect around 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, at his residence located at No. A11, Bila Vista, Banana Island, Ikoyi.
The arrest reportedly followed ongoing investigations into the explosion, during which the shop owner raised strong suspicion about Gu’s possible involvement.
Previous Business Dispute
Preliminary findings revealed that the suspect and the complainant had a prior business relationship that turned sour more than a decade ago.
“The suspect had a previous business relationship with the complainant, which collapsed in 2013 after a disagreement,” a source familiar with the investigation disclosed. “During their fallout, the suspect allegedly threatened to disrupt the complainant’s business operations.”
Investigators are said to be probing whether the recent explosion was connected to the long-standing dispute.
The suspect is currently being detained at the SCID headquarters in Yaba while detectives continue their investigation to establish his level of involvement and possible motive. Police sources confirmed that forensic experts have been deployed to gather evidence from the explosion site, while statements are being obtained from witnesses and associates of both parties.
The IED blast, which occurred in April inside the CCTV camera shop, caused panic in the Ikeja business district, though no casualties were reported.