Authorities apprehend man and his teenage child in possession of unlawfully owned firearm and bullets in Ogun

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By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

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Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a 38-year-old man and his teenage son for unlawful possession of a firearm, recovering a locally made pistol, a live cartridge and a face mask during a stop-and-search operation.

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The suspects, identified as Joseph Kehinde, 38, and his 13-year-old son, John Joseph, were apprehended on Sunday along the Sagamu/Ogijo road axis.

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Police spokesperson in the State, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta on Monday, disclosed that the arrest was made at about 11:00 a.m. on Sunday by operatives of the Command’s Quick Response Squad (QRS) stationed at the Lafarge area of the highway.

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The statement reads, “The operatives, while on routine stop-and-search duty, intercepted a tricycle conveying the younger suspect.”

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“A search conducted on him led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, one live cartridge and a mask, the ownership of which he could not satisfactorily explain. The suspect, however, claimed that the firearm belonged to his father,” he added.

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Following the disclosure, police operatives intensified investigation, leading to the arrest of the father.

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Both suspects, alongside the recovered exhibits, have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

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“The investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the case, after which the suspects will be charged to court,” Babaseyi stated.

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Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the vigilance and professionalism of the operatives.

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He reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal possession of firearms and other criminal activities.

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“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the State,” the CP said, urging residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information.

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Residents were also advised to report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines, including the Gateway Shield toll-free line: 0800 000 9111, and other designated numbers.

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