The Ogun State Police Command has arrested six suspects following intelligence-led coordinated operations by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and Ibafo Division across Abeokuta, Wasimi, and Ibafo.
Arrested Suspects
The suspects are identified as Afisu Awesu, Bala Aminu, Moruf Sodiq (alias “Okiki”), Mumuni Amodu (alias “Stone”), Abayomi John (alias “Ibafo”), and Adeboye Ojesina. They were arrested after the police disrupted multiple criminal networks involved in illegal possession of firearms, armed intimidation, theft, conspiracy, and receipt of stolen property.
Generator Theft Ring
Operatives of the VCRU also arrested three suspects who specialize in generator theft, operating in Abeokuta and its environs. Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed in a statement that the arrest of Sodiq, who received a stolen generator, led to the others' arrest. He said, “The suspect promptly led operatives to Amodu, alias ‘Stone’, identified as the receiver of stolen property. A swift search of the premises resulted in the recovery of four Elepaq generators, one Sumec Fireman generator, and nine Android mobile phones suspected to have been recently stolen.”
In a further breakthrough, operatives arrested Abayomi John, alias “Ibafo”, a motorcyclist who allegedly provided rapid logistics support, conveying suspects to targeted locations during operations. The suspects are currently in custody while a discreet investigation continues to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate.
Illegal Firearms Possession
SWAT operatives arrested 58-year-old Adeboye Ojesina for allegedly illegally possessing firearms and using them to threaten residents within Wasimi and adjoining communities. Babaseyi said a prompt search resulted in the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, one pump-action rifle, two live cartridges, and one expended cartridge. The suspect initially denied ownership but later claimed to have recovered the pistol within the area and discharged a round to test its functionality. He further claimed that the pump-action rifle was handed over to him by an unidentified individual who is currently being trailed by operatives.
Forklift Theft
Police operatives attached to Ibafo Division arrested Awesu while attempting to steal a forklift engine component with an accomplice who escaped. Following a theft report at a site in Igbeti Sote Village via Ibafo, an immediate investigation led to his arrest. Further investigation showed that the suspects had earlier stolen forklift tyres from the same location and disposed of them to Aminu of Kara, Ibafo. The police promptly arrested Aminu as the alleged receiver of stolen property, while efforts continue to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and dismantle the criminal network.
Commissioner Commends Operations
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the swiftness and professionalism of the VCRU, SWAT, and Ibafo Division in the successful execution of the operations. He assured residents of continued proactive policing and swift response to security threats.
10 Cameroonians Arrested for Human Trafficking, Visa Fraud
In a separate development, 10 Cameroonians have been arrested over an alleged human trafficking and visa fraud syndicate accused of defrauding unsuspecting victims of millions of naira in Lagos. The suspects, comprising five males and five females, allegedly lured fellow Cameroonians to Nigeria with promises of securing visas, work permits, and residency documents for destinations such as Mauritius, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Victims reportedly paid huge sums of money for the purported travel arrangements, which never materialized. Many of the suspects lacked valid passports and visas, raising questions about how they entered Nigeria. A police source said the group operated under the guise of a networking business, but findings suggest that their real “product” was the recruitment and exploitation of people. The source said arrested members used social media to deceive prospective victims by staging photographs and videos in luxurious environments, including airports, to create the false impression that members had successfully relocated abroad. Victims were also coached on what to tell their families and friends to help recruit more victims into the scheme.
Case Transferred for Investigation
CP Tijani has directed that the case be transferred from the Egbeda Tactical Unit to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, for further investigation under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dayo Akinbisehin.
Victims' Accounts
One victim said she was persuaded by a friend who claimed to be living and working in Mauritius. Lured by the promise of better pay and employment opportunities, she paid 800,000 CFA francs (about N2 million) to facilitate her travel documents and relocation. After the syndicate failed to fulfill their agreement and refused to refund her, they insisted she recruit another person before she could recover her funds. Her cousin was later convinced to pay another CFA 800,000 after being led to believe that she had successfully relocated overseas.
Another victim narrated a similar experience, saying she paid about CFA 1.5 million, equivalent to N3.5 million, for travel documents, a Mauritius passport, a work permit, and a residence permit. She was told that she did not need a Cameroonian passport and could travel to Nigeria using only her national identity card.
