Ogun police arrest seven suspects, recover stolen vehicle, firearms, phones, ₦1.1m

Crime Diary

ABEOKUTA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Ogun State Police Command has arrested seven suspects for offences ranging from armed robbery and one-chance robbery to cultism, illegal possession of firearms and obtaining money by false pretence in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.

The Command said the coordinated operations, carried out across the Ilaro Area Command and the Ibafo, Mowe, Adatan and Ode-Remo divisions, also led to the recovery of a stolen Toyota Venza, three firearms, an operational vehicle used by a one-chance robbery syndicate, 17 stolen mobile phones, an HP EliteBook laptop, and ₦1.1 million allegedly linked to a travel fraud case.

In a statement issued by the State’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, the police identified the suspects as Bola Salau, 42; Segun Balogun, 25; Emmanuel Friday; Tunde Abioye; Ankpa James; Tunde Ogunseye, 41; and Owodunni Seun, 36.

The Command said the operations formed part of Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni’s sustained intelligence-driven offensive against criminal activities across Ogun State.

According to the police, operatives attached to the Ilaro Area Command recorded a major breakthrough when they intercepted a blue Toyota Venza during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Oja-Odan/Ilaro Road.

The vehicle, bearing Lagos registration, was occupied by Bola Salau and Segun Balogun, who allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation of how they came into possession of it.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of its original registration documents concealed beneath the carpet.

Further investigation enabled detectives to trace the rightful owner in Ede, Osun State, who confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen during an armed robbery attack on his residence on June 23.

The victim reportedly told investigators that five-armed men invaded his home, robbed him and members of his family of valuables before escaping with the vehicle.

Police said the Toyota Venza has been recovered, while investigations are ongoing to determine the suspects’ involvement and arrest other fleeing members of the robbery syndicate.

In a separate operation, detectives attached to the Ibafo Division dismantled a suspected one-chance robbery syndicate operating around the Magboro axis.

The operation followed a complaint by a female victim who reported that she was dispossessed of her Samsung A16 mobile phone valued at ₦295,000 and ₦120,000 in cash after boarding a commercial vehicle operated by the suspects.

Acting on credible intelligence, police traced the suspects to the Freeway Hotel in Magboro, where Emmanuel Friday and Tunde Abioye were arrested.

The operatives also recovered a Toyota Camry allegedly used by the syndicate to carry out its robbery operations, while the victim positively identified the suspects.

Police said investigations are continuing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen property before the suspects are charged to court.

In another operation, operatives of the Mowe Division arrested Ankpa James following a complaint by a 21-year-old man who alleged that the suspect fraudulently obtained ₦1.276 million from him under the false pretence of facilitating his travel to Luxembourg.

The suspect was arrested after detectives responded to a distress report received through the Command’s Gateway Shield emergency platform. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to the offence, leading to the recovery of ₦1.1 million, which was released to the complainant on bond. Police said the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

At the Adatan Division, a joint operation involving police operatives and other security agencies led to the arrest of suspected cultist Tunde Ogunseye.

The police alleged that the suspect attempted to attack security personnel with a locally fabricated pistol before he was overpowered and disarmed. A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of another locally made pistol.

Investigators further alleged that Ogunseye is a member of the Eiye Confraternity and is involved in illicit drug trafficking. He has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

In another operation, officers attached to the Ode-Remo Division foiled an armed robbery attack targeting students at Itun-Raye in Ode-Remo after responding to a distress call.

Police said the hoodlums fled into a nearby bush upon sighting security operatives, abandoning several items as they escaped, some with suspected gunshot injuries.

Items recovered included a locally made Dane gun, two expended cartridges, one HP EliteBook laptop, three power banks, one rechargeable touch light, nine iPhones, seven Samsung Android phones, one Itel Android phone and other personal belongings, bringing the total number of recovered mobile phones to 17.

A follow-up operation led to the arrest of Owodunni Seun, who was found loitering around the scene under suspicious circumstances. Police described him as a habitual offender previously convicted for receiving stolen property.

Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the robbery gang and recover additional exhibits.

Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni commended the professionalism and bravery of the operatives, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and collaboration with other security agencies.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to support efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety across Ogun State.