Oyo police smash 8-man okada theft syndicate, recover stolen motorcycles

STEPHEN GBADAMOSI, IBADAN

The Oyo State Police Command has broken a syndicate that specialises in stealing motorcycles, popularly known as okada.

This was disclosed in a statement, by the State Command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), made available to journalists in Ibadan on Sunday.

“The Oyo State Police Command recorded another breakthrough in its sustained efforts to curb criminal activities and rid the state of crimes and criminal elements across the state.

“In furtherance of this objective, and acting on credible intelligence that a group of individuals were in possession of motorcycles suspected to have been stolen within Kishi town, operatives attached to Kishi Division swiftly mobilised and moved into action on 8th May,, at about 8:30 p.m.

“The prompt operational response led to the arrest of eight suspects namely: Akeem Kehinde, 20; Rasaq Muhideen, 35; Jimoh Musakiru, 28; Ganiyu Saheed, 30; Iliasu Abdullahi, 25; Owonikoko Nurudeen, 27; Mukaila Ibrahim, 26; and Badmos Awwal, 26, who were found in suspicious possession of the said motorcycles.

“Following their arrest, preliminary investigation was immediately commenced, which led to the recovery of four suspected stolen Bajaj motorcycles in their possession, thereby strengthening the initial intelligence received and confirming the suspected criminal activity.

“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and admitted to their various levels of involvement in the unlawful possession and theft of the motorcycles, while further investigation is ongoing to identify and locate the rightful owners of the recovered exhibits as well as uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s network and possible collaborators.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, has commended the operatives involved in the successful operation for their professionalism, swift response and dedication to duty.

“The commissioner equally expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continuous support, strategic leadership and unwavering commitment towards strengthening effective policing and public safety across the country.

“In the same vein, the command urges members of the public to continue supporting the police through prompt intelligence sharing and sustained community cooperation, noting that effective policing thrives on mutual trust and collaboration between security agencies and the communities they serve.

“The Oyo State Police Command, therefore, reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state and encourages citizens to remain vigilant and law-abiding at all times,” the statement read.