Ogun: Police rescue suspected motorcycle thief allegedly poisoned in revenge attack

The Ogun State Police Command has rescued a 26-year-old man, Timothy Ashamu, who was allegedly forced to ingest a poisonous substance in Oke-Odan, Yewa South Local Government Area.

DAILY POST reports that Ashamu had allegedly confessed to stealing more than three motorcycles from members of the public.

It was gathered that the incident started from an October 2026 robbery allegation, in which Ashamu allegedly dispossessed one Adetunji Vincent of his Bajaj motorcycle along Agosu Road, Oke-Odan.

According to a statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, findings further indicated that Ashamu allegedly confessed to stealing more than three motorcycles, using hammers, sticks and cutlasses to dispossess his victims.

However, he was later accosted at a farm in Oke-Odan by three individuals who allegedly forced him to ingest a substance suspected to be Gamaline, in an apparent retaliatory attack.

Upon receiving the report, detectives from the Owode-Yewa Division swiftly mobilised, rescued Ashamu and rushed him to a hospital in Owode-Yewa, where he is currently receiving treatment.

He is said to be responding to treatment.

“The incident underscores a fundamental principle of professional policing: the protection of human life is not conditional on a person’s innocence or perceived character. Even where a person is suspected of serious criminal offences, the law does not permit private individuals to determine or administer punishment.

“Criminality must be addressed through lawful arrest, investigation and prosecution, never through retaliation, torture or attempted murder. The swift intervention of the Police in this instance reinforces the importance of professional policing and the protection of every life,” the statement stated.

Acting on information provided by the victim, the detectives proceeded to Ihunbo, where one Abiodun Oniyide, also known as Aje Alaje, was arrested.

Ashamu subsequently identified him as one of those allegedly involved in administering the substance.

A container suspected to have contained Gamaline was recovered as exhibit.

“The arrested suspect remains in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects allegedly involved in the incident,” DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi added.

The case is being prepared for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Eleweran, for further investigation.