The Anti-Robbery Squad of the Ogun State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Eleweran, has apprehended three suspects for armed robbery and vehicle theft across Abeokuta and its environs.
The suspects are 38-year-old Ismaila Israel Sokunbi, the suspected kingpin Kayode Adeyemi, aged 37, and Kola Taiwo, 55.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, noted that the arrest also led to the recovery of a stolen Toyota Corolla and several exhibits linked to criminal activities.
He noted that the first suspect was arrested following a distress report received at Obantoko Division where armed suspects attempted to dispossess a resident of his vehicle while he was opening the gate to his residence.
Babaseyi stated that that victim raised an alarm, attracting neighbours to the scene and while trying to flee, the suspects lost control of the vehicle, crashed into a fence and fled the scene.
“As operatives closed in, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled in a standby vehicle. During their escape, one suspect dropped an Infinix mobile phone and a Wema Bank ATM card, which were recovered as exhibits.
“Acting on intelligence derived from the recovered items, detectives of the Anti-Robbery Squad launched telecommunications analysis, which led to the identification of Ismaila Israel Sokunbi as a principal suspect with links to Kayode Adeyemi, the suspected kingpin in Ibadan, Oyo State,” the statement added.
The police spokesperson noted that the suspects were arrested within Oke-Jigbo and Isale Abese areas of Abeokuta, and on interrogation, they admitted being members of a syndicate responsible for multiple vehicle thefts across Abeokuta and adjoining communities.
“They further revealed that they specialised in stealing vehicles by tampering with ignition wiring systems,” the statement noted.
In another development, operatives of the Ogun State Police Command arrested Kola Taiwo and recovered a stolen Toyota Corolla.
The police image maker stated that investigation revealed that the suspect had been involved in several vehicle thefts within the Osiele axis using master keys to gain access to parked vehicles.
All the arrested suspects are in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.
“Efforts are ongoing to recover additional stolen vehicles and apprehend other members of the syndicate,” the statement further disclosed.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustained proactive policing and zero tolerance for violent crimes.
He warned criminals to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, while assuring residents of continued safety and security across Ogun State
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