The Ogun State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against crime by arresting a notorious seven-man gang responsible for a string of violent robberies and kidnappings in the Ijebu-Igbo Local Government Area of the state. This comes after weeks of intense manhunt and investigations, which culminated in the capture of all members of the gang that had been terrorizing the region.
The operation began with the arrest of two key members of the gang, Chukwuma Bartholomew (40) and Igwe Monday (42), who were notorious for not only kidnapping but also killing their victims after collecting ransom. These two suspects led the police to a forest in Ijebu-Igbo, where they had buried the remains of their victims in shallow graves, revealing the heinous nature of their crimes.
In a press briefing held on Friday at the command's headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, announced the successful arrest of the remaining five members of the gang. The suspects, who have since made confessional statements, include Ifeanyi Mathias (31), Anayo Simeon (28), Ayo Adedayo (46), Chibueze Odah (41), Ejiofor Nwali (35), Eke Peter (22), Monday Paul (24), and a female member, Chukwuma Zainab (37).
The gang's activities included the robbery and murder of a Point of Sale (POS) operator, Oluwaseun Samuel, whose Moniepoint account and machine were subsequently used by the gang for further criminal operations. According to Commissioner Alamutu, the gang was involved in robbing at least eight families, killing two of their victims, and stealing cash and valuables worth over N7 million.
The victims of their gruesome crimes included Azeez and his wife Afolashade Raheem, Oluwaseun Samuel, Adegbenga and his daughter Elizabeth Adeniran, the traditional ruler of Aparaki Ijebu, Julius Benedict and his wife Ogunyemi Femi, Adedayo Temitayo and his wife Mojisola, and Oladokun Mathew and his wife Bolanle. The deceased victims were identified as 17-year-old Elizabeth Adeniran and Oladokun Bolanle.
Upon their arrest, the police recovered critical evidence from the suspects, including a blue Tecno Camon phone and three expended cartridges, which were linked to their criminal activities. The Ogun State Police Command has assured the public that a conclusive investigation is underway and that the suspects will soon be charged in court for prosecution.
The arrest of this dangerous gang has brought a sense of relief to the residents of Ijebu-Igbo and its environs, who had been living in fear of the gang's reign of terror. The police have been commended for their efforts in bringing these criminals to justice and for their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the community.
As the investigation continues, the Ogun State Police Command has called on the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The command has also reiterated its commitment to combating crime in all its forms and ensuring that those who engage in criminal activities are brought to justice.
The arrest of the seven-man robbery and kidnap gang in Ijebu-Igbo marks a significant victory for law enforcement in Ogun State. It sends a strong message to other criminal elements that the police will not relent in their efforts to ensure the safety and security of the state's residents. As the suspects await trial, the community can rest assured that justice will be served.
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