Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a middle-aged man in Oye-Ekiti, headquarters of Oye local government area of the state.

The spokesperson of the command, Mr. Sunday Abutu, said the suspect identified as Bernard Shadrach, was arrested by the joint efforts of the police and residents of Trinity Hostel Area, Oye-Ekiti.

He explained that the suspect, known to be a notorious in the area, was arrested when he attempted to snatch a commercial motorcycle from the rider.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the suspect and his fleeing gang member specialize in snatching motorcycles from innocent motorcyclists within Oye-Ekiti.

It was learnt that one of the hoodlums had boarded a motorcycle and at a point on their way, forcefully asked the rider to stop, which he obliged.

 The suspects  attacked the motorcyclist with dry grounded pepper, hammer and attempted to snatch his motorcycle.

The rider fortunately overpowered them and apprehended one of them with the assistance of passersby, while his accomplice escaped. 

Abutu said:”Two commercial motorcycle riders who earlier reported a case of their motorcycles theft, came and identified the arrested suspect as one of the two-man gang that snatched their motorcycles recently.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the crime and said that the fleeing suspect is his leader in the unlawful business of snatching of motorcycles. He further stated that they both came from Benin, Edo State, and started the unlawful business in November 2023.

“While the Command will continue its manhunt on criminal elements in the state, members of the public are implored to be wary of strange faces around their environs. They should be security conscious, proactive and promptly report to the Police any suspicious person or group of persons found in their neighborhood, for necessary action that will ensure a safe and better society.”

The PPRO assured that effort is ongoing to arrest the fleeing gang member.