The Anti-Robbery Squad of the Ogun State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, has arrested three suspects for armed robbery and vehicle theft in Abeokuta and surrounding areas, marking a significant breakthrough in the state’s fight against violent crime. The suspects, identified as 38-year-old Ismaila Israel Sokunbi, 37-year-old Kayode Adeyemi—the suspected kingpin—and 55-year-old Kola Taiwo, are now in custody following coordinated police operations. Authorities also recovered a stolen Toyota Corolla and several exhibits linked to their criminal activities, including a mobile phone and an ATM card.
The arrest began after a distress call was received at Obantoko Division, where armed robbers attempted to snatch a resident’s vehicle as he opened his gate. The victim raised the alarm, prompting neighbors to intervene. In the ensuing chaos, the suspects lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a fence before fleeing in a standby car. During their escape, one suspect dropped an Infinix phone and a Wema Bank ATM card, which were seized by police as crucial evidence.
Using intelligence from the recovered items, detectives conducted telecommunications analysis and traced the suspects to Ismaila Israel Sokunbi, who was linked to Kayode Adeyemi, a suspected criminal mastermind based in Ibadan, Oyo State. The suspects were apprehended in Oke-Jigbo and Isale Abese areas of Abeokuta. Upon interrogation, they admitted to being part of a syndicate responsible for multiple vehicle thefts across Abeokuta and neighboring communities. They specifically confessed to tampering with ignition wiring systems to steal vehicles.
In a separate operation, police also arrested Kola Taiwo and recovered the stolen Toyota Corolla. Investigations revealed that Taiwo had used master keys to break into parked vehicles in the Osiele area, committing several thefts. All three suspects are now in custody and will be charged to court once investigations are completed. Police are continuing efforts to recover more stolen vehicles and capture other members of the criminal network.
DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests and emphasized the importance of community vigilance. Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, reiterated the command’s commitment to proactive policing and zero tolerance for violent crimes. He warned criminals to desist from illegal activities or face the full force of the law, while assuring residents of enhanced security across the state. This operation underscores the police’s ongoing efforts to restore public confidence and curb rising crime rates in Ogun State.
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