The Ogun State Police Command has arrested six suspects following coordinated and swift intelligence-led operations by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and Ibafo Division across Abeokuta, Wasimi, and Ibafo.
Suspects and Their Roles
The suspects are Afisu Awesu, Bala Aminu, Moruf Sodiq alias “Okiki”, Mumuni Amodu alias “Stone”, Abayomi John alias “Ibafo”, and Mr Adeboye Ojesina. Their arrests follow the police disruption of multiple criminal networks involved in illegal possession of firearms, armed intimidation, theft, conspiracy, and receiving stolen property.
Generator Theft Syndicate Busted
Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested three suspects specializing in generator theft in Abeokuta and its environs. The suspects are Moruf Sodiq alias “Okiki”, Mumuni Amodu, and Abayomi John. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed this to newsmen in a statement in Abeokuta yesterday. Babaseyi said that the arrest of Sodiq, who received the stolen generator, led to the arrest of others.
He said, “The suspect promptly led operatives to Mumuni Amodu, identified as the receiver of stolen property. A swift search of the premises led to 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 discreet investigation continues to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate,” he noted.
Firearms Possession Arrest
Similarly, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit arrested a 58-year-old man, Mr Adeboye Ojesina, for allegedly being in possession of firearms and using them to threaten residents within Wasimi and adjoining communities. The Police Public Relations Officer said that a prompt search led to the recovery of one locally fabricated pistol, one pump-action rifle, two live cartridges, and one expended cartridge. He said that the suspect initially denied ownership but later made a statement claiming he recovered the pistol within the area and discharged a round to test its functionality. Babaseyi alleged the pump-action rifle was handed over to him by an unidentified individual currently being trailed by operatives.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other persons connected to the case, while the suspect remains in custody as investigation progresses,” he added.
Forklift Theft Attempt Foiled
Relatedly, operatives attached to Ibafo Division arrested one Afisu Awesu while attempting to steal a forklift engine component with an accomplice who escaped. Babaseyi said that the police, acting swiftly on a complaint of theft at a site in Igbeti Sote Village via Ibafo, launched immediate investigative action which led to the arrest of the suspect. According to him, further investigation revealed that the suspects had earlier stolen forklift tyres from the same location and disposed of them to one Bala Aminu of Kara, Ibafo.
“Acting without delay, detectives arrested Bala Aminu as the alleged receiver of stolen property. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and fully dismantle the criminal network. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” he noted.
Exhibits Recovered
Exhibits recovered include one pump-action rifle, one locally fabricated pistol, two live cartridges, one expended cartridge, five generators, and nine Android mobile phones suspected to have been stolen.
Police Commissioner Commends Operations
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the swift response, professionalism, and operational efficiency of the VCRU, SWAT, and Ibafo Division in the execution of these successful operations. The CP reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to rapid, intelligence-driven policing and sustained pressure on criminal elements to ensure they have no space to operate within Ogun State. He further assures residents of continued proactive policing and swift response to security threats.
