By Peace Udugba
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested seven suspected criminals in a series of intelligence-led operations across different parts of the state, recovering a stolen Toyota Venza, three firearms, an operational vehicle allegedly used by a “one-chance” robbery syndicate, 17 stolen mobile phones, an HP EliteBook laptop and ₦1.1 million.
The suspects — Bola Salau, 42; Segun Balogun, 25; Emmanuel Friday; Tunde Abioye; Ankpa James; Tunde Ogunseye, 41; and Owodunni Seun, 36 — were arrested for offences ranging from armed robbery, one-chance robbery and obtaining money by false pretence to unlawful possession of firearms and cult-related activities.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, said the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led policing, strategic patrols and coordinated tactical operations carried out by officers of the Ilaro Area Command and the Ibafo, Mowe, Adatan and Ode-Remo Divisions.
According to the command, operatives of the Ilaro Area Command intercepted a blue Toyota Venza during a stop-and-search operation along the Oja-Odan/Ilaro Road. The occupants, Bola Salau and Segun Balogun, were arrested after they failed to give a satisfactory account of how they came into possession of the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of its original registration documents hidden beneath the carpet. Police investigations later confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen during a violent armed robbery attack on its owner’s residence in Ede, Osun State, on June 23, 2026.
In another operation, detectives attached to the Ibafo Division dismantled a suspected one-chance robbery syndicate following a complaint by a female victim who was robbed of her Samsung A16 mobile phone valued at ₦295,000 and ₦120,000 cash.
Acting on intelligence, police arrested Emmanuel Friday and Tunde Abioye at a hotel in Magboro and recovered a Toyota Camry allegedly used by the syndicate. The victim reportedly identified the suspects.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Mowe Division arrested Ankpa James over an alleged travel scam after he reportedly collected ₦1,276,000 from a 21-year-old victim under the pretext of facilitating his travel to Luxembourg.
Police said the suspect confessed during interrogation, while ₦1.1 million was recovered and returned to the complainant on bond. He will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
In Adatan, a joint operation involving police and other security agencies led to the arrest of suspected cultist Tunde Ogunseye.
Police alleged that the suspect attempted to attack operatives with a locally fabricated pistol before he was overpowered. A search of his residence led to the recovery of another locally made pistol. Investigators also linked him to the Eiye Confraternity and alleged involvement in illicit drug activities. He has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Similarly, operatives of the Ode-Remo Division foiled an armed robbery attack targeting students at Itun-Raye, Ode-Remo.
The hoodlums reportedly fled into a nearby bush after sighting the approaching security team, abandoning several stolen items. Recovered exhibits included a locally made Dane gun, two expended cartridges, an HP EliteBook laptop, 17 mobile phones comprising nine iPhones, seven Samsung Android phones and one Itel Android phone, as well as power banks, a rechargeable touch light and other personal belongings.
Police later arrested Owodunni Seun near the scene after he was found loitering under suspicious circumstances. The command said preliminary investigations revealed that he had previously been convicted for receiving stolen property and is assisting investigators.
Commending the officers involved in the operations, CP Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and inter-agency collaboration.
He warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, assuring residents that the command would continue to intensify efforts to protect lives and property across Ogun State.
The police added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and recover additional exhibits connected to the various cases.
