The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two suspects for conspiracy and unlawful possession of a firearm following an intelligence-led operation in the Ifo area. The suspects, Adeola Mathew, 47, and Rasheed Omoniyi, 48, were taken into custody on May 9, 2026, at approximately 6:30 a.m. after detectives from the Ifo Division, led by Divisional Police Officer CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi, raided a criminal hideout along Ibogun Road in the NITEL area of Ifo.
Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that Adeola Mathew was apprehended at the scene. A subsequent search of the hideout led to the recovery of a locally made pistol concealed within the premises. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the recovered firearm was allegedly handed over to the suspect by Rasheed Omoniyi, who was subsequently tracked and arrested by the operatives,” Babaseyi stated.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the firearm and to ascertain the suspects’ possible involvement in other criminal activities. The case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCIID) in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further discreet investigation and prosecution. The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Mr. Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their swift response and reiterated the command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents.
Rivers State Police Enforce Tricycle Restrictions to Curb One-Chance Crimes
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has reaffirmed the enforcement of restrictions on the movement of commercial tricycles across the state while unveiling fresh security measures to tackle the rising incidence of “one-chance” robberies, abductions, and other violent crimes. “One-chance” robbery involves criminals posing as transporters who lure unsuspecting commuters into their vehicles before robbing, assaulting, or abducting them, often in isolated areas or along major roads, particularly at night.
The command warned residents against boarding suspicious vehicles, especially at night, and urged commuters to remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to criminal gangs operating under the guise of commercial transportation. In a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo on behalf of Commissioner of Police Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, the command said the renewed enforcement aligns with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu.
The existing restriction on the movement of tricycles, popularly known as “Keke,” from 10:00 p.m. remains fully in force across the state, with operators and owners directed to comply strictly. The police explained that the renewed enforcement became necessary as part of intensified efforts to curb the growing menace of one-chance robberies and related violent crimes in Rivers State. “The enforcement takes immediate effect as part of intensified efforts to curb the growing menace of ‘one-chance’ robberies, abductions and other violent crimes in Rivers State,” the statement read.
The command warned that individuals or groups involved in such criminal activities would be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law. As part of proactive crime prevention, the Commissioner of Police directed additional security measures to take effect from May 18, 2026. Under the new directives, no commercial tricycle will be allowed to operate with tinted glass or any covering that could conceal the identity of passengers or occupants. Any commercial tricycle found violating the directive will be impounded, and the operator will face arrest and prosecution.
The command also outlawed the covering, alteration, or concealment of vehicle registration numbers, stressing that offenders will be arrested without hesitation. Similarly, the use of unregistered vehicles within the state has been prohibited, with vehicle owners and operators advised to regularise their documentation immediately or risk sanctions. The police further emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between local security outfits, community stakeholders, and Divisional Police Officers across various jurisdictions to improve intelligence gathering and coordinated responses to crime.
Safety Advisories for Residents
To help residents avoid falling victim to one-chance operators, the command released a series of safety advisories. Residents were cautioned against boarding tricycles, motorcycles, or vehicles from isolated and poorly lit locations, especially at night. The police also advised commuters to avoid vehicles carrying suspicious or aggressive occupants, as well as vehicles with covered or heavily tinted interiors where occupants could not be clearly identified.
Passengers were encouraged to share their travel details and destinations with trusted friends or relatives whenever possible and to avoid openly displaying valuables such as cash, mobile phones, and jewellery while in transit. The command further advised commuters to ensure that vehicles could be opened from both inside and outside before boarding and warned passengers against sitting in the middle of already seated occupants. In addition, residents were urged to discreetly take photographs or note the registration numbers of vehicles before boarding and send the information to trusted persons. The police noted that passengers who feel unsafe should insist on getting off immediately.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Rivers State Police Command assured residents that it remains resolute in safeguarding lives and property across the state. The police also urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies in the collective fight against crime and criminality.
