The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man suspected of sending bomb threat messages to schools in the Ikeja Government Reserved Area, police said on Monday.
The arrest follows reports of threatening messages sent to two private schools that led to temporary closures and security operations last week. Police confirmed no explosive device was found during inspections.
Police said school officials received anonymous messages alleging that explosive devices had been planted on school grounds on Tuesday, January 20.
The threats prompted immediate reports to the Ikeja Divisional Police Headquarters by human resources and security officers of the schools.
Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh addressed reporters at the command headquarters in Ikeja. He said the command deployed specialised units including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to inspect the premises.
“No explosive device was found and the schools were immediately declared safe,” the commissioner said during the briefing.
Police confirmed the suspect’s identity as Kosiso Ogumbo, a resident of Okota in Lagos State. Ogumbo was allegedly traced through the phone number used to send the threatening messages, police said.
Details of Arrest and Charges
According to the police, Ogumbo claimed he lost his phone in November 2025, but investigators said he continued to receive calls during the period threats were sent. Police said they recovered the relevant SIM card.
Commissioner Jimoh said the suspect acted alone and intentionally sought to create panic among school authorities and parents. He added Ogumbo will be prosecuted in line with Nigerian law.
Authorities earlier confirmed that the affected schools resumed operations after security sweeps found no bombs or hazardous materials. Both Grange School and Avi-Cenna International School in Ikeja reopened fully after the threat incident.
Police have maintained a heightened security presence around the schools to reassure parents and deter further threats.
The arrest is part of broader police efforts to safeguard educational institutions and prevent false security alarms.
Commissioner Jimoh reinforced that investigations will continue and stressed the importance of community vigilance.
Police urged members of the public to report suspicious activities without delay to strengthen school safety across Lagos State.
The Lagos State Police Command has taken a suspect into custody over bomb threat messages sent to private schools in Ikeja.
No explosive devices were found during inspections, and both schools have resumed normal activities. Ogumbo is expected to face prosecution as investigations continue.
