11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Lagos State: Killings and illegal highway checkpoints operated by area boys still common ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22773]

"Killings carried out by organized gangs of armed robbers remained common during the year. In Oshodi, Lagos State, a group of armed robbers, popularly known as "area boys," operated illegal highway checkpoints at which they demanded money from motorists. There were no developments in the case of six area boys arrested in July 2006 for allegedly killing two Federal Road Management Agency officers."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

62 suspected area boys were arrested after a clash in 2005, which began after a soldier was killed; ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22774]

"Soldiers arrested 62 suspected area boys and remanded them to police for prosecution on charges related to a 2005 clash between soldiers and area boys. The incident followed the killing of a soldier near a military command in the Ikeja suburb of Lagos. Twelve of the area boys were arraigned before a magistrate's court and placed in custody to await trial."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Lagos State: Area boys demand money at illegal highway checkpoints; when officers tried to stop them they responded with weapons ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19470]

"Killings carried out by organized gangs of armed robbers remained common during the year. In Oshodi, Lagos State, a group of armed robbers, popularly known as "area boys," operated illegal highway checkpoints at which they demanded money from motorists. When Federal Road Management Agency officers attempted to stop them in July, the robbers responded by attacking them with homemade weapons. There were unconfirmed reports of two deaths. Six area boys were arrested, but no trial had begun by year's end. Soldiers arrested 62 suspected area boys and remanded them to police for prosecution on charges related to a May 2005 clash between soldiers and area boys. The incident followed the killing of a soldier near a military command in the Ikeja suburb of Lagos. Twelve of the area boys were arraigned before a magistrate's court and placed in custody to await trial. The remaining 50 were released due to insufficient evidence."

Document(s): Open document