Three remanded for stealing, selling Osun free treated nets

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The Osun State Police Command on Tuesday said it had arraigned three suspects before a court for allegedly stealing and selling 300 insecticide-treated nets meant to be distributed free of charge to residents.

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The suspects were identified as Rabbi Bennett, Opeyemi Ajibola and Aminu Ibrahim in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, obtained by PUNCH Metro in Osogbo.

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The command’s spokesperson also said the trio had been remanded in a correctional centre after being arraigned.

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Giving details of the offences, Ojelabi stated that on 9th June, 2026, information was received regarding an incident involving the alleged illegal sale of government-owned mosquito nets meant for public distribution.

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“Preliminary investigation revealed that one Rabbi Bennett ‘F’, a native of Delta State and a staff member of the United States Agency for International Development attached to Ife North Local Government Area, Ipetumodu, reportedly engaged in a dispute with one Opeyemi Ajibola (M), an Okada rider of Ayetoro Street, Ipetumodu, over proceeds realised from the unlawful sale of mosquito nets,” the statement partly read.

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Ojelabi said further investigation established that the “suspects, in collaboration with one Aminu Ibrahim (M), allegedly sold six (6) bundles containing three hundred (300) pieces of mosquito nets on 8th June, 2026.

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“The mosquito nets were originally meant to be distributed free of charge to members of the public as directed under the government health intervention programme.

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“Following the incident, the three suspects were arrested and taken into custody for interrogation. During the investigation, they reportedly confessed to their involvement in the alleged offence.

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“The case has since been charged to court, and all suspects have been remanded at the Correctional Centre pending further judicial proceedings.”

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Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding public resources, the command promised to ensure that individuals entrusted with public welfare programmes are held accountable under the law.

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PUNCH Metro reported in August 2018 that the Imo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps arrested one Chinaza Nwatamole, who allegedly specialised in stealing government property.

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Nwatamole (25), who hails from Umunyala Mbieri in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state, was paraded and arrested at Heroes Square while packing zinc sheets and other building materials.

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