News Update
Osun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has apprehended a group of suspects involved in the theft of iron steel valued at over N4.5 million from a steel company in Ede.
The security outfit also revealed that it has dealt with other cases of burglary and property theft across the state.
A statement by the Corps Commander, Isaac Omoyele and issued by the Public Relations Officer, Yusuf Idowu Abass on Sunday, disclosed that the arrested suspects are 26 year old Wilson Titus and 23 year old Gabriel Simon, both from Kaduna State, and 32 year old Ogundele Sunday from Ekiti State.
Omoyele revealed that, “they were arrested by Amotekun operatives for conspiring to steal large quantities of iron steel from their workplace, a steel manufacturing company located in Ede.
“Investigations revealed that the trio, who are employees or closely affiliated with the company, had been stealing iron materials over time and selling them to a scrap dealer in Sabo, Ede, at prices ranging between N3,000 and N7,000 a fraction of the total market value.
“Upon interrogation, Wilson confessed that this was not their first involvement in such criminal activity. He admitted that they had been conducting the thefts for a long time before their recent attempt was foiled during a surveillance operation by Amotekun.”
Omoyele added that, “The stolen materials are estimated to be worth over N4.5 million.”
Also, Omoyele disclosed that the Osun Amotekun Corps nabbed 38-year-old Ogunbunmi Yemi from Ila-Orangun for breaking into a residential building and stealing household items including a television set, a generator and Iron Steel.
The Osun Amotekun boss stated that the suspect claimed the motive behind his crime was to sell the items to support himself.
In another development, the Osun Amotekun arrested 28-year-old Gbadegesin Ibrahim and 32-year-old Biodin Akindele for theft and vandalism.
The statement revealed that, “Gbadegesin Ibrahim, from Osogbo, was also taken into custody after being linked to the theft of iron steel in Eleweran, Ile-Ife, and the stealing of an Itel mobile phone at Toll Gate, Ile-Ife. He was apprehended after a complaint was lodged with Amotekun, who then tracked him to his hiding location.
“Biodun Akinwale, also from Osogbo, was caught red-handed while removing aluminium fabricators from a newly constructed building within the Ede North Local Government premises. He had forcibly broken the windows and fittings before being spotted by a resident who promptly alerted the authorities.”
Speaking on the arrests, the Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, Omoyele, praised his team for their swift response and operational excellence.
He highlighted the importance of the Corps’ Intelligence Unit in facilitating the surveillance that led to the successful bust of the Ede steel theft ring.
“Our operatives acted swiftly following reports of consistent theft at the company. Surveillance was established, and the suspects were apprehended while committing the crime.
“They confessed to having sold stolen iron steel in the past for as low as N3,000, while the actual value of the stolen materials exceeds N4.5 million,” Omoyele said.
He also assured that all suspects will be charged to court and prosecuted in accordance with the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
While urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Amotekun or other law enforcement agencies, he emphasised that community collaboration was vital for effective security.