The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two men suspected of belonging to a “one-chance” robbery syndicate operating in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The suspects, identified as 29-year-old Bidemi Tijani and 42-year-old Olajide Rasaq, were apprehended on August 15 by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit following an intelligence-driven operation.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the suspects were intercepted after the police received information that suspected members of the syndicate were posing as commercial taxi operators and had been spotted travelling towards Ita-Oshin in Abeokuta.
Babaseyi said the operatives immediately moved in and pursued the vehicle before successfully stopping it and arresting the two occupants.
“Acting promptly on the tip-off, tactical operatives of the VCRU gave the fleeing robbers a hot chase towards Ita-Oshin, successfully intercepting the vehicle and apprehending the two suspects,” the statement said.
The police spokesman added that preliminary interrogation led to the suspects making statements under caution, during which they allegedly admitted membership of the robbery syndicate.
“Upon interrogation and putting down their statements under caution, both suspects confessed to being active members of the ‘One Chance’ robbery syndicate terrorising commuters within the Abeokuta metropolis,” Babaseyi stated.
The command said investigations were ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ alleged activities and identify other members of the group still at large.
It added that operatives were also working to recover relevant exhibits connected to the suspected crimes.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the VCRU personnel for their prompt response and professionalism during the operation.
Ojajuni assured residents that the command remained committed to tackling criminal activities across the state.
He warned criminals operating in Ogun to desist from their activities, stressing that the police would continue to pursue those involved in crime.
The commissioner also advised residents and commuters to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities or persons to the authorities.
The command urged members of the public to use Gateway Shield on 0800 000 9111 or its emergency lines, 09164859299 and 09154293464, to provide information that could assist the police in preventing crime.
