The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended seven suspected offenders for crimes including armed robbery, one-chance robbery, cult-related activities, illegal possession of firearms, and obtaining money under false pretences.
The police also recovered a stolen Toyota Venza, three locally fabricated guns, a Toyota Camry allegedly linked to a one-chance syndicate, 17 stolen mobile phones, an HP EliteBook laptop, and N1.1 million connected to an alleged travel fraud.
The suspects were identified as Bola Salau, 42; Segun Balogun, 25; Emmanuel Friday; Tunde Abioye; Ankpa James; Tunde Ogunseye, 41; and Owodunni Seun, 36.
The development was disclosed on Sunday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, in a statement.
Babaseyi explained that the arrests resulted from separate intelligence-driven operations conducted by officers from the Ilaro Area Command and the Ibafo, Mowe, Adatan, and Ode-Remo divisions.
He noted that the operations were part of the command’s continued efforts to tackle criminal activities across Ogun State.
“These operational successes underscore the unwavering commitment of the Ogun State Police Command under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni to intelligence-led policing, strategic crime prevention and the protection of lives and property across the state,” Babaseyi said.
He stated that operatives from the Ilaro Area Command intercepted a Toyota Venza during a routine stop-and-search exercise on the Oja-Odan/Ilaro Road after the occupants allegedly failed to provide a convincing explanation regarding ownership of the vehicle.
“A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of its original registration documents concealed beneath the carpet. Detectives subsequently traced the rightful owner in Ede, Osun State, who confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen during a violent armed robbery attack on his residence on June 23, 2026,” the statement read.
The command said investigations were continuing to establish the suspects’ roles and arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
In a separate operation, detectives attached to the Ibafo Division arrested two suspected members of a one-chance robbery syndicate after a female victim reported that her Samsung A16 phone worth N295,000 and N120,000 cash had been stolen.
The suspects were tracked to a hotel in Magboro through intelligence gathering, while a Toyota Camry allegedly used in carrying out the crime was recovered.
“The victim positively identified the suspects, while an investigation is ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen property before they are charged to court,” Babaseyi said.
The police also arrested Ankpa James over an alleged travel scam after a 21-year-old complainant accused him of collecting N1.276 million with a promise to facilitate his trip to Luxembourg.
The command said the arrest followed a distress call received through the Gateway Shield emergency platform.
“During interrogation, the suspect admitted involvement in the offence, while N1.1 million was recovered and released to the complainant on bond. The suspect will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement added.
Similarly, officers from the Adatan Division arrested suspected cultist Tunde Ogunseye during a joint operation involving other security agencies.
Police alleged that Ogunseye attempted to attack security personnel with a locally made pistol before he was overpowered.
“A search of his residence resulted in the recovery of another locally fabricated pistol, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two. Preliminary investigation further revealed that the suspect is a member of the Eiye Confraternity and is also allegedly involved in the sale of illicit drugs,” the statement said.
In another incident, operatives attached to the Ode-Remo Division foiled an armed robbery attempt targeting students in Itun-Raye, Ode-Remo.
The command said the suspects escaped into a nearby bush after spotting security operatives, leaving behind a locally made Dane gun, two spent cartridges, an HP EliteBook laptop, 17 mobile phones, power banks, and other belongings.
The recovered phones included nine iPhones, seven Samsung Android devices, and one Itel phone.
The police added that Owodunni Seun was later apprehended near the scene after he allegedly failed to give a satisfactory account of his presence in the area.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that he is a habitual offender who had previously been charged and convicted for receiving stolen property. He is assisting the police with the ongoing investigation,” the statement said.
Commending the officers, Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s dedication to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime-fighting efforts across the state.
“The command remains committed to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, inter-agency collaboration and sustained pressure against all forms of criminality across Ogun State,” Ojajuni said.
He also warned criminals to stay away from unlawful activities or face legal consequences, while encouraging residents to provide timely and credible information to aid security agencies in combating crime.
