Ogun: Police arrest ‘Stone’, five others for theft, recover generators, firearms

Men of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested six suspects during multiple intelligence-led operations across Abeokuta, Wasimi and Ibafo areas of the state.

The suspects were allegedly involved in the illegal possession of firearms, armed intimidation, theft, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.

They are Moruf Sodiq, also known as “Okiki”; Mumuni Amodu, alias “Stone”; Abayomi John, alias “Ibafo”; Mr Adeboye Ojesina; Afisu Awesu; and Bala Aminu.

In a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday, the arrests followed credible and time-sensitive intelligence.

Babaseyi stated that the first suspect, Sodiq, popularly known as Okiki, was linked to a coordinated generator theft network operating within Abeokuta and its environs, while Amodu, aka Stone, was identified as the receiver of the stolen property, and John as the motorcyclist who allegedly conveyed the suspects during their operations.

He noted that during a swift search of Stone’s premises, four Elepaq generators, one Sumec Fireman generator and nine Android mobile phones were recovered.

The police spokesperson stated that in another development, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit apprehended 58-year-old Adeboye Ojesina for theft, unlawful possession of firearms and the alleged use of the weapons to threaten residents within Wasimi and adjoining communities.

Babaseyi noted that a prompt search led to the recovery of one locally fabricated pistol, one pump-action rifle, two live cartridges and one expended cartridge.

According to him, 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, while also alleging that the pump-action rifle was handed over to him by an unidentified individual currently being trailed by operatives.

Also, operatives attached to Ibafo Division, acting swiftly on a complaint of theft at a site in Igbeti Sote Village via Ibafo, arrested Afisu Awesu while attempting to steal a forklift engine component with an accomplice who escaped.

“Further rapid investigation revealed that the suspects had earlier stolen forklift tyres from the same location and disposed of them to Bala Aminu ‘M’ of Kara, Ibafo. Acting without delay, detectives arrested Bala Aminu as the alleged receiver of the stolen property.

“All suspects are currently in custody while discreet investigation continues, as efforts are ongoing to apprehend other persons connected to the crimes.

“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the swift response, professionalism and operational efficiency of the VCRU, SWAT and Ibafo Division in the execution of the successful operations.

The CP reiterated 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.