By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Six suspected criminals, allegedly involved in various crimes including armed robbery, burglary, and theft, have been arrested by operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps.

The suspects were apprehended at different locations across the state following intelligence reports.

While briefing journalists at the Osun Amotekun Headquarters in Osogbo, the state capital, the state commander, Dr. Adekumle Isaac Omoyele, disclosed that on April 17, 2025, at approximately 00:04hrs, the corps received a distress call regarding the theft of cable wires worth ₦5.6 million at Hammed Omidiran University, located in the Kolabalogun area of Osogbo.

Dr. Omoyele stated, “Upon receiving the distress call, our personnel swiftly responded and apprehended a suspect identified as Aderemi Sheriff, a 28-year-old male, while his accomplice managed to escape the scene.”

He added, “Unfortunately, part of the cable had already been set on fire before our intervention.”

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and admitted to committing similar offences in the past. Background checks revealed that he is an ex-convict with a history of cable theft.

Dr. Omoyele further revealed that on the same day, April 17, 2025, at about 00:03hrs, the corps received intelligence regarding an ongoing armed robbery operation in the Fiwasaye area of Osogbo. A swift response by the officers led to the arrest of one of the culprits, John Uba, a 26-year-old male, who had been involved in the theft of mobile phones and other valuables.

“Further investigation showed that the suspect had previously escaped from the Ota-Efun Division of the Nigeria Police Force. He also confessed to being a repeat offender. The suspect has since been handed over to the Ota-Efun Police Division for further investigation and prosecution,” Dr. Omoyele said.

In another case, a 26-year-old man, Saheed Babatunde, was apprehended in connection with the theft of iron steel valued at ₦280,000. The arrest followed a complaint lodged by a concerned citizen, prompting immediate action by Amotekun officers.

Dr. Omoyele noted, “The suspect was tracked to his hideout in Isale-Osun, Osogbo, where he was arrested. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime and admitted to selling the stolen items to a Hausa man for ₦4,000.”

Investigation revealed that Saheed Babatunde is a repeat offender, having previously served a jail term for a similar crime. He is currently in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly.

On April 18, 2025, at approximately 11:00hrs, three individuals—Idowu Tajudeen (27), Bamanga Joffrey (24), and Femi Adeniyi (22)—were arrested in connection with a burglary and theft at GRA, Osogbo. The suspects were found to have unlawfully entered the premises and stolen a pumping machine and other items valued at approximately ₦8.5 million.

“During the course of the investigation, the suspects confessed to the crime. Legal proceedings are underway, and they will be prosecuted accordingly,” Dr. Omoyele confirmed.

The state commander appealed to the people of Osun to continue supporting the corps’ efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the Amotekun Corps or other security agencies.

“With a personnel strength now exceeding 1,450 officers, the Osun Amotekun Corps remains more determined and better equipped to protect lives and property,” he said. “We will continue to ensure that the people of Osun sleep with their two eyes closed.”

Reiterating the commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state, Dr. Omoyele added, “We will not relent in our efforts until every criminal element is flushed out. Criminals can run, but they cannot hide.”