Osun State Police Command in Nigeria has revealed that about 31 suspected criminals, including a gang that specialises in using sedatives on commercial motorcyclists in the state to steal their motorcycles, have been Arrested.

In a statement by the spokesperson of the command, Yemisi Opalola, on Tuesday, said the suspects were arrested for offences ranging from armed robbery, stealing, and membership in unlawful society, amongst others.

Giving other details of the offences committed by the suspects, Opalola disclosed that operatives from the command arrested Idowu Olaide, Abubakar Bello, Abubakar Usman and Mustapha Yinusa, who were members of a Lagos-based syndicate that specialises in snatching motorcycles from unsuspecting commercial motorcycle operators in Osun after sedating them.

Speaking further on the activities of the syndicate, Opalola said “On 14th September 2023 at about 5:45 pm, a commercial motorcyclist reported a case of stolen motorcycle at ‘B’ Division Ede and stated that, on 11th September 2023, two (2) unknown men employed his service as a bike-man, in the process he was offered a can of Maltina soft drink which he accepted and drank.

“Consequently, he slept off and was dispossessed of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with Registration No. AAW 751 QF. The case was later transferred to Anti-Vice Intelligence Squad Osogbo. On receipt of the case, one Abubakar Usman ‘m’ and Abubakar Bello ‘m’ were arrested and they confessed to be members of a syndicate who usually come from Lagos State to snatch motorcycles from Okada riders by drugging them.

“Useful information from the suspects led to the extension of the investigation to Lagos State where one Mustapha Yinusa ‘m’ was also arrested. The suspect also confessed to being a member of the syndicate. Meanwhile, five (5) out of the stolen motorcycles were recovered in Lagos State as exhibits.”

Opalola also said 13 suspects were arrested for belonging to unlawful society, adding that they were nabbed in Iresi town, after police acting on tip-off, stormed their hideout.

Also arrested were members of a gang of 10 men suspected robbers, who attacked a resident of Ilesa and snatched a vehicle and other valuables from him.

The gang was also accused of attacking a resident of Osunjela during which they snatched a vehicle and carted away other valuables and money.

The police spokesperson further explained that suspects linked to the crime were arrested at different locations in Ibadan, Oyo State and Akure, Ondo State, adding that investigation into the activities of the gang was still ongoing.

According to her, Daniel Sunday, Timothy Moses and Odebunmi Bukola were also arrested following a petition to the police by a mobile phone dealer based in Osogbo, who alleged that her shop was burgled by thieves, during which they stole items valued at N4,655,000 and a cash sum of N200,000.

She admonished residents of the state to desist from going around in unregistered vehicles, urging them to also volunteer timely information that could prevent crime.

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