Members of the Ogun State Police Command have apprehended a presumed armed bandit, Akeem Owonikoko, aged 33, on the Sagamu – Ijebu Ode – Benin Highway.
On Sunday, Police Spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed the incident to journalists in Abeokuta.
Odutola clarified that the arrest resulted from a 24-hour operation overseen by Area Commander ACP Omosanyi Adeniyi of Ijebu Ode.
According to her, the suspect made a confession, alleging that an Inspector of Police, identified only as Ola, supplied firearms that the gang employed for their criminal activities.
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Odutola stated, “Owonikoko was observed driving a Toyota Camry towards Ijebu Ode from Ososa. Upon sighting the police, he abruptly changed direction into a nearby lane.”
The suspect, who was donning a Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) uniform and was the mastermind behind various illicit deeds, attempted to outwit the officers, but was subsequently apprehended.
“Upon inspecting the abandoned vehicle, authorities discovered a black cellophane bag containing 32 expended cartridges, 78 live cartridges, and a locally crafted short firearm,” Odutola continued.
Furthermore, a search warrant was executed at his residence, leading to the recovery of an additional magnum pump-action rifle, a double-barrel short gun, a locally made double-barrel pistol, a concealed pistol holster, an unregistered silver Toyota Camry, and a green Toyota Sienna Bus marked KNN 58 TD Ogun.
Additional seized items included a liquid chemical, a black beret adorned with symbols of the Aiye Confraternity, cannabis, narcotics, an ATM card, a power bank, two Apple wristwatches, two mobile phones, and a malevolent charm.
The Police Spokesperson conveyed that Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu had instructed law enforcement to pursue the remaining suspects.
She reiterated that the Ijebu-Ode Area Command continued to excel in their efforts to combat crime.
Odutola emphasized that the Commissioner of Police remained dedicated to ridding the state of criminal elements.
