An angry mob has killed a suspected motorcycle thief and critically injured another in the Ajaka area of Oke Igbo, Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The suspects, John Udoh and Peter Ubong, were part of a five-man gang that allegedly broke into the home of Emeka Ruben around 2:00 a.m., stealing his motorcycle, valued at N1.2 million.
Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, explained that Ruben raised the alarm, alerting local youths, who apprehended the two suspects. “The suspects were severely beaten, resulting in the death of one, as confirmed by a doctor at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, while the other, Peter Ubong, is hospitalized in critical condition,” she said.
Three other gang members—Adaka, Stephen, and Jeresy—escaped with the stolen motorcycle.
Udoh and Ubong reportedly confessed to stealing 15 solar streetlights and two other motorcycles from the community. They also provided the names of accomplices involved in various burglaries within the Sagamu division.
According to the police, on October 18, 2024, the chairman of the Community Development Association in Atayo Okeigbo reported that thieves had invaded Ruben’s home at around 2:00 a.m., stealing his Lifan motorcycle. Following Ruben’s cries for help, local youths intervened and captured Udoh and Ubong, along with their operational motorcycle.
The three other gang members managed to flee with the stolen bike. Udoh and Ubong admitted to prior thefts and provided information about their accomplices.
Both police divisions are working together to apprehend the remaining suspects. Sadly, Udoh succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, while Ubong remains in critical condition. Investigations are ongoing to recover the stolen motorcycle and arrest the fleeing suspects.