The Ogun State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against crime with the arrest of six suspects linked to illegal possession of firearms, armed intimidation, theft, conspiracy and receiving stolen property across Abeokuta, Wasimi and Ibafo communities.

The suspects were identified as Afisu Awesu, Bala Aminu, Moruf Sodiq, popularly known as “Okiki”, Mumuni Amodu, alias “Stone”, Abayomi John, alias “Ibafo”, and Adeboye Ojesina.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed that the operations were carried out based on actionable intelligence, leading to the dismantling of multiple criminal networks operating within the state.

According to her, items recovered from the suspects 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.

Odutola explained that on May 30, 2026, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, arrested Moruf Sodiq, popularly known as “Okiki”, who was allegedly linked to a generator theft syndicate operating within Abeokuta and its environs.

She said the suspect subsequently led investigators to Mumuni Amodu, alias “Stone”, identified as a receiver of stolen property.

“A 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,” she said.

The police spokesperson added that operatives also arrested Abayomi John, alias “Ibafo”, a commercial motorcyclist alleged to have provided logistical support to members of the syndicate by transporting suspects to target locations.

She noted that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.

In a separate operation on June 12, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit arrested Adeboye Ojesina, 58, over alleged unlawful possession of firearms and the use of weapons to intimidate residents of Wasimi and neighbouring communities.

A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a pump-action rifle, two live cartridges and one expended cartridge.

According to Odutola, the suspect initially denied ownership of the weapons but later claimed he found the pistol within the area and fired a round to test its functionality.

He also alleged that the pump-action rifle was handed over to him by an unidentified individual who is currently being tracked by security operatives.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other persons connected to the case, while the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue,” she stated.

Meanwhile, on June 13, operatives attached to the Ibafo Division responded to a complaint of theft at a site in Igbeti Sote Village, Ibafo, and intercepted Afisu Awesu while allegedly attempting to steal a forklift engine component with an accomplice who escaped.

Further investigations revealed that the suspects had earlier stolen forklift tyres from the same location and allegedly sold them to Bala Aminu of Kara, Ibafo.

Acting on the intelligence, detectives arrested Aminu for allegedly receiving stolen property.

The police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle the entire criminal network.

All suspects, according to the command, will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. (Guardian)

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