The development threw residents into panic as news of alleged infiltration of the Boko Harm’s sect into Lagos spread.
The suspected suicide bomber later identified as Olasunkanmi Ismail, reportedly scaled through the fence into Methodist Church at Ita-Elewa area of Ikorodu about 7.30 am.
Suspecting his movement, some curious neighbours reportedly alerted the church’s securitymen, who subsequently apprehended Olasunkanmi, who was clad in a yellow T-shirt and a black trouser.
When searched, a can covered with a paper on which was scribbled ‘open in case of emergency’ was found in his pocket.
During interrogation, Ismail, who claimed he was sent to plant an explosive on the church’s premises, refused to disclose the identity of the sender.
A mob which gathered in front of the church attempted to lynch him, but was prevented by the church’s presbyter, Rev. Mathew Ogunsiji,who invited policemen from Ikorodu Division.
Men of the Anti-Bomb Squad later arrived the scene where a search was conducted round the church’s premises and the suspect whisked away by policemen from Ikorodu Division.
Speaking with Vanguard, Rev. Ogusiji said the suspect was found hiding somewhere near the graveyard, adding that his attempt to escape was foiled by the church’s securitymen.
He said: “We were scared when he said he was sent to plant a bomb in the church. We then contacted the Commissioner of Police, who sent a team of anti-bomb squad to a search the premises but said they did not discover any bomb. This has sent a signal to us to improve on our security system which we hope to do.’’
Spokesman for the Anti Bomb Explosive Ordance Disposal, EOD, Mr. Gbolahan, said it was a mere bomb scare.
According to him, “The issue is no issue, but just a scare. When our men were informed , our EOD technicians got there and discovered a bottle covered with an inscription, ‘in case of emergency.’
”The men applied EOD procedure and swept the entire church premises, but did not find any bomb. There is no cause for alarm.” He assured Lagosians to go about their legal businesses.
Spokesman for the Lagos Police Command, Joseph Jaiyeoba, corroborated Gbolahan’s claims,adding that investigation was
