On Monday, the Osun State Police Command showcased several suspects who had been arrested for various criminal activities throughout the state. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Hope Okafor, emphasized that criminal behavior would not be tolerated in any part of the state.
Addressing journalists during the parade of suspects, DCP Okafor disclosed that the apprehended individuals were involved in offenses ranging from armed robbery to cultism and conspiracy. Providing specific details of their crimes, the police chief stated that a group of eight armed robbers, armed with weapons, attacked a family in Erin-Ijesa. During the robbery, they stole a Toyota Highlander Jeep, electronic devices, eight bags of dry cocoa beans, and personal belongings belonging to the victims.
DCP Hope Okafor further revealed that two suspects, Seyi Ojo and Kamorudeen Quadri, were apprehended in connection with the aforementioned crime. Their arrests subsequently led to the apprehension of six additional suspects involved in the criminal activities.
Also presented during the parade were Adejumo Boluwatife, Adisa Lateef, Gbolahan Oladipupo, and Adeagbo Musibau, who were identified as members of an unlawful society causing terror among the residents of Idi-Omo, Osogbo, the state capital.
DCP Okafor additionally showcased Temitope Oke, Wasiu Hammed, Olamilekan Yusuff, and Julius Wuraola. They were part of a four-member gang involved in inter-state vehicle theft. The gang members typically disguised themselves as automobile mechanics to carry out their vehicle theft operations.
“On February 7, 2024, at about 1 a.m., a team of anti-kidnapping operatives upon receiving credible intelligence, intercepted a four-man gang of suspected car theft syndicate along Osunjela Ilesha Road, en route Kabba, Kogi State to sell stolen cars.
“Preliminary interrogation revealed that they operated under the guise of being gear mechanics and subsequently stole their unsuspecting customers’ cars. The cars recovered include one 2014 Toyota Camry, white in colour with registration number LSR 935 JC Lagos; one 2010 Toyota Camry, red in colour unregistered; one 2005 Honda Accord gold colour with registration number FST 917 BF Lagos and one 2010 Toyota Camry black colour,” she said.
DCP Okafor assured that once investigations into the various crimes were concluded, the suspects would be brought before the court for arraignment. However, she expressed concern over the closure of courts due to the ongoing industrial action by members of the Judiciary Workers Union of Nigeria in the state.
She highlighted the detrimental impact of the strike on policing activities, citing instances where suspects who couldn’t be granted bail were being held without trial. Okafor called for the prompt resolution of the issues leading to the strike in order to ensure the proper functioning of the justice system.
She said, “I hope you all know that Osun State Police Command has nothing to do with the situation (court closure). Actually, we are feeling the brunt. We are because we have some suspects whose allegations are bordering on capital offenses and you all know that we have no power to grant bail.
“So you can imagine the effect that has. I want to urge the government of Osun State to do everything to expedite action in resolving that impasse because we are greatly affected.”
