The Ogun State Police Command has arrested seven suspects for various crimes, including armed robbery, one-chance robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, and fraud.
The command also recovered a stolen Toyota Venza, three locally made firearms, a Toyota Camry reportedly used by a robbery syndicate, 17 stolen mobile phones, an HP EliteBook laptop, and N1.1 million traced to an alleged travel scam.
The suspects were identified as Bola Salau, 42; Segun Balogun, 25; Emmanuel Friday; Tunde Abioye; Ankpa James; Tunde Ogunseye, 41; and Owodunni Seun, 36. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi disclosed the arrests in a statement on Sunday, noting that the suspects were apprehended during intelligence-led operations by the Ilaro Area Command and the Ibafo, Mowe, Adatan, and Ode-Remo divisions.
According to Babaseyi, the operations are part of the command’s ongoing efforts to combat crime under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni. “These successes underscore our commitment to intelligence-driven policing and the protection of lives and property across the state,” he said.
In one operation, officers intercepted a Toyota Venza during a stop-and-search along Oja-Odan/Ilaro Road after the occupants failed to explain how they acquired the vehicle. A search uncovered its original documents hidden under the carpet. Detectives traced the rightful owner to Ede, Osun State, who confirmed the car was stolen during a violent robbery at his home on June 23, 2026. Police say investigations are ongoing to determine the suspects’ involvement and track down other members of the gang.
In a separate case, detectives from the Ibafo Division arrested two suspected “one-chance” robbers after a female victim reported being robbed of her Samsung A16 phone worth N295,000 and N120,000 cash. The suspects were tracked to a hotel in Magboro, and a Toyota Camry allegedly used in the crime was recovered. The victim identified the suspects; investigations are ongoing to apprehend other gang members and recover more stolen property.
The police also arrested Ankpa James for an alleged travel scam after a 21-year-old complainant reported he collected N1.276 million under false pretenses of arranging a trip to Luxembourg. The suspect was apprehended following a distress call to the Gateway Shield emergency platform, admitted to the fraud, and N1.1 million was recovered and returned to the victim. The police said James would be prosecuted after the investigation is completed.
In another operation, Adatan Division officers, working with other security agencies, arrested suspected cultist Tunde Ogunseye. The police allege Ogunseye attempted to attack officers with a locally made pistol before being subdued. A search of his home yielded another homemade firearm. Preliminary investigations indicate Ogunseye is a member of the Eiye Confraternity and allegedly involved in drug dealing.
Elsewhere, Ode-Remo Division officers foiled an armed robbery targeting students at Itun-Raye, Ode-Remo. The suspects fled into the bush, abandoning a locally made Dane gun, two spent cartridges, an HP EliteBook laptop, 17 phones (including nine iPhones, seven Samsung devices, and one Itel), power banks, and other belongings. Owodunni Seun was later arrested near the scene after failing to explain his presence; police say he is a repeat offender previously convicted of receiving stolen property.
Commissioner Bode Ojajuni commended the officers for their efforts and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and inter-agency collaboration. He warned criminals to desist from crime or face the law and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
