Police arrest 16 suspects for oil theft, defilement and vandalism in Ogun

The Ogun State Police have arrested 16 suspects for various crimes like illegal oil dealing, vandalism, burglary, theft, receiving stolen property, and defilement. This action is part of their renewed effort called Operation Kosaye.

The police say the arrests were made after gathering intelligence, acting quickly on distress calls, and conducting tactical raids in different areas of the state.

During these operations, the police recovered two vehicles, a stolen motorcycle, four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil, 13 jerry cans of suspected diesel, a pumping machine, a generator, and other items.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, shared this news in a statement on Saturday in Abeokuta. He said these operations show the command's ongoing work to fight crime and protect important national infrastructure.

Babaseyi reported an incident on July 21, 2026, around 8:30 PM, when detectives from the Agbado Division arrested 50-year-old Saliu Akinwande for allegedly defiling an 11-year-old girl. He said the victim was taken for medical care, while the suspect was moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran for further investigation and prosecution.

He also mentioned that on the same day, police operatives from the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit arrested 51-year-old Kabiru Afolabi at Abule-Iroko, Sango. This was due to information about a suspected diesel bunkering group. Babaseyi said, "We recovered four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 13 jerry cans of suspected diesel, one pumping machine, and one generator that were used for illegal operations."

Babaseyi said investigations are ongoing to catch other members of the syndicate and to expose the network behind these illegal activities. He added that on July 12, 2026, around 7:00 AM, detectives from the Ota Division arrested two men, Nnabike Uzolo, 26, and Chino Mgbenya, 28, a commercial motorcyclist, for allegedly vandalizing a telecommunications mast cable at Ten Ten Street, Mine, Ota.

Babaseyi explained that after a thorough investigation, the suspects were charged in court for their actions. The command has said it will protect critical national infrastructure and warned that anyone caught vandalizing will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.

On July 21, 2026, around 7:00 PM, detectives from the Idanyin Division quickly responded to a burglary report at a business. The PPRO said a quick investigation led to the arrest of Hammed Olanrewaju and Emmanuel Victor, with some stolen items recovered from a suspected receiver’s shop.

Investigations are still ongoing to find the remaining stolen items and identify other accomplices. Babaseyi also mentioned that on July 3, 2026, around 1:30 PM, detectives from the Ajuwon Division arrested 20-year-old Mathew Mark after a thorough investigation into a stolen Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. The stolen motorcycle was also recovered.

The suspect is still in police custody and will be charged in court once investigations are complete. He further explained that after a house-breaking case reported on July 5, 2026, forensic tracking of a stolen mobile phone led detectives from the Agbado Division to Sodiq Raji, 32. His arrest led to the capture of Zubby Nzube, 28, Adeyemi Omoyajuowo, 30, and Chimezie Iwuanya, 35.

Some stolen items were recovered, and investigations continue to find the rest and catch any fleeing accomplices. The PPRO added that on July 19, 2026, around 4:30 AM, operatives from the Ijebu Imushin Division acted on a tip-off that armed robbers had taken a mini truck carrying aluminum doors and window frames along the Benin/Ore Expressway.

Babaseyi said, "When the robbers saw the police, they abandoned the truck and ran into a nearby forest. We recovered the truck and returned it to its owner, and we are working hard to catch the fleeing suspects."

On July 21, 2026, around 11:45 AM, operatives from the Atan-Ijebu Division recovered an abandoned bus after receiving credible information from the public. The bus was taken to the station for safekeeping while waiting to find its owner.

In separate operations between July 13 and July 21, 2026, detectives from the Atan-Ijebu Division arrested Ayomide Odufuwa, 27; Adura Adebanjo, 26; Samuel Sunday, 25; Bashiru; and Muhammed for various burglary and house-breaking incidents. These operations led to the recovery of stolen clothing, household items, bedding materials, and more, with investigations still ongoing.

The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved in these successful operations for their dedication and quick action. Ojajuni assured the public that the command will keep working hard under Operation Kosaye using intelligence-led policing, active patrols, and community partnerships to prevent crime in Ogun State.

He urged residents to stay alert and continue helping the police by sharing timely, credible information to prevent crime and improve police response. He promised that the command will keep strengthening Operation Kosaye and other proactive policing methods to ensure the safety of lives and properties in the state.