The Ondo State Police Command said it has arrested no fewer than 100 suspects in the month of August linked with various crimes.
Adebowale Lawal, the State Commissioner of Police, who disclosed this at the weekend while briefing newsmen in Akure, said the suspects are linked with crimes ranging from kidnapping, murder, armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of substances suspected to be hard drugs, fraud/obtaining under pretence, theft/stealing, receiving stolen property and vandalism.
According to him, among those arrested is a suspected fraudster who orchestrated a N10 million scam in the popular Oloko area of Akure.
Lawal said, “The suspect, with a deceptive scheme, lured his unsuspecting victim under the pretence of selling scrap materials.
“Believing the transaction to be genuine, the victim paid the sum of N10million, only to later discover that the deal was fraudulent and the so-called scrap materials non-existent.
“Following a detailed investigation, the Command’s operatives tracked down the suspect and secured his arrest. During interrogation, he confessed to committing the crime and further revealed that he acted in concert with an accomplice who is based in Lagos.
“In a swift response, the Command has already taken proactive steps to freeze the illicitly obtained funds, thereby preventing further dissipation of the victim’s hard-earned money.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the Lagos-based accomplice and bring all those connected with the crime to justice.”
Also being held is an 87-year-old Chief Kogbona, an alleged arms supplier to a gang of robbers from whom ten live cartridges were recovered.
“Operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS) cracked a chilling case of armed robbery and murder in Ondo town. A young motorcyclist, Nwike Sabbat (25 years), was brutally killed and his motorcycle snatched.
“Swift police action led to the arrest of three suspects, Adeife Adewumi, Matthew Johnson and Diisu Sunday, who all confessed to the crime. Recovered exhibits include two cut-to-size barrel guns, one live cartridge, and one expended cartridge.”
Lawal also disclosed that officers of the Command have clamped down on vehicles without registration numbers and those using fake plate numbers.
“The Command recently launched a special operation targeting the illegal possession and use of vehicles and motorcycles in the commission of crimes.
“This proactive measure has yielded commendable results. So far, the following recoveries have been made:
Five cars whose chassis/VINs had been tampered with; One vehicle bearing a fake/unauthorised NANS plate number; One stolen spy police number plate, previously used in conveying illicit drugs; and one official government plate number, illegally used for transporting contraband.
Others are “Six unregistered vehicles; several other vehicles without valid registration or proper documentation.
This operation has dealt a heavy blow to criminal elements who rely on stolen or unauthorised vehicles to perpetrate crimes.”
Lawal, however, said the Ondo State Police Command has continued to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and professionalism in safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens.
