Authorities arrest 16 individuals in Ogun for alleged oil theft, rape, and destruction of property

The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended 16 suspects for a range of alleged offences, including illegal petroleum product dealings, vandalism, burglary, theft, receiving stolen property, and defilement, as part of Operation Kosaye, a renewed campaign against crime.

n

These arrests were made possible through intelligence-led operations, swift responses to distress calls, forensic investigations, and coordinated tactical raids conducted across various parts of the state, resulting in the recovery of items such as two vehicles, a stolen motorcycle, and several drums of suspected fuel.

n

The recovered items also include four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil, 13 jerry cans containing suspected diesel, a pumping machine, a generator, and other exhibits, which were seized during the operations carried out by the police.

n

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operations demonstrate the command's sustained efforts to combat crime and protect critical national infrastructure, as outlined in a statement issued on Saturday in Abeokuta.

n

On July 21, 2026, at about 2030hrs, detectives from the Agbado Division arrested Saliu Akinwande, 50, for allegedly defiling an 11-year-old girl, and the victim was immediately taken for medical examination and treatment.

n

The suspect, Saliu Akinwande, was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, for further investigation and prosecution, as part of the ongoing efforts to address the alleged crime.

n

Also on July 21, 2026, operatives from the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit arrested a 51-year-old suspect, Kabiru Afolabi, at Abule-Iroko, Sango, following intelligence on the activities of a suspected diesel bunkering syndicate.

n

Recovered during the operation were four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil, 13 25-litre jerry cans containing suspected diesel, one pumping machine, and one generator allegedly used in the illegal operation, which were seized as evidence.

n

Investigations have commenced to apprehend other members of the syndicate and unravel the network behind the illegal activities, according to DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.

n

On July 12, 2026, at about 0700hrs, detectives from the Ota Division arrested two suspects, Nnabike Uzolo, 26, and Chino Mgbenya, 28, a commercial motorcyclist, for allegedly vandalising a telecommunications mast cable at Ten Ten Street, Mine, Ota.

n

Following a thorough investigation, the suspects were charged in court for the alleged offence, as part of the command's efforts to protect critical national infrastructure.

n

The command has reiterated its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and warned that anyone found engaging in acts of vandalism will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

n

On July 21, 2026, at about 1900hrs, detectives from the Idanyin Division responded to a report of burglary at a commercial establishment, and a swift investigation led to the arrest of Hammed Olanrewaju and Emmanuel Victor.

n

Part of the stolen property was recovered from the suspected receiver's shop, and investigations are ongoing to recover the remaining property and identify other accomplices, according to DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.

n

Following a report received on July 3, 2026, at about 1330hrs, concerning the theft of a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, detectives from the Ajuwon Division carried out a painstaking investigation leading to the arrest of Mathew Mark, 20, and the recovery of the stolen motorcycle.

n

The suspect, Mathew Mark, remains in police custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations, as part of the ongoing efforts to address the alleged crime.

n

Following a house-breaking incident reported on July 5, 2026, forensic tracking of one of the stolen mobile phones led detectives from the Agbado Division to Sodiq Raji, 32, whose arrest further led to the apprehension of Zubby Nzube, 28, Adeyemi Omoyajuowo, 30, and Chimezie Iwuanya, 35.

n

Some of the stolen property was recovered, while investigations continue to recover other exhibits and apprehend fleeing accomplices, according to DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.

n

On July 19, 2026, at about 0430hrs, operatives from the Ijebu Imushin Division responded to information that armed hoodlums had hijacked a mini truck conveying aluminium doors and window frames along the Benin/Ore Expressway.

n

The truck was successfully recovered and released to its owner, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects, who abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby forest upon sighting the police.

n

On July 21, 2026, at about 1145hrs, operatives from the Atan-Ijebu Division recovered an abandoned bus following credible information received from members of the public, and the vehicle was removed to the station for safekeeping pending the identification and contact of the rightful owner.

n

In separate operations carried out between July 13 and July 21, 2026, detectives from the Atan-Ijebu Division arrested Ayomide Odufuwa, 27; Adura Adebanjo, 26; Samuel Sunday, 25; Bashiru; and Muhammed in connection with separate burglary and house-breaking incidents.

n

The operations led to the recovery of stolen clothing, household items, bedding materials, and other exhibits, while investigations are ongoing to address the alleged crimes.

n

The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers and men involved in the successful operations for their professionalism, vigilance, prompt response, and unwavering dedication to duty.

n

Ojajuni reaffirmed that the command remains resolute in sustaining the momentum of Operation Kosaye through intelligence-led policing, enhanced visibility patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, forensic investigations, and robust community partnership to deny criminal elements any operating space within Ogun State.

n

The CP urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing crime and facilitating prompt operational response, as part of the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety.

n

He assured residents that the command would continue to intensify Operation Kosaye and other proactive policing strategies to ensure the safety and security of lives, property, and critical national assets across the state.