Ogun Police arrest seven suspects, recover stolen Venza, firearms, 17 phones, N1.1m

Ogun Police Arrest Seven in Coordinated Crackdown Across the State

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested seven suspects for alleged offences ranging from armed robbery, one-chance robbery, cultism, illegal possession of firearms and obtaining money by false pretence, recovering a stolen Toyota Venza, three firearms, an operational vehicle, 17 stolen mobile phones, a laptop and ₦1.1 million. The Command said the arrests were made through intelligence-led operations and coordinated tactical interventions carried out across the Ilaro Area Command and the Ibafo, Mowe, Adatan and Ode-Remo Divisions.

The suspects were identified as Bola Salau, 42; Segun Balogun, 25; Emmanuel Friday; Tunde Abioye; Ankpa James; Tunde Ogunseye, 41; and Owodunni Seun, 36. Items recovered during the operations include a stolen Toyota Venza, three firearms comprising two locally fabricated pistols and one locally made Dane gun, a Toyota Camry allegedly used by a one-chance robbery syndicate, 17 stolen mobile phones, one HP EliteBook laptop, two expended cartridges, three power banks, one rechargeable touch light and ₦1.1 million recovered from a travel fraud suspect.

Stolen Venza Traced to a Violent Robbery in Osun State

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, operatives attached to the Ilaro Area Command intercepted a blue Toyota Venza during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Oja-Odan/Ilaro Road in Olorunlekan, Ilaro. The vehicle was occupied by Bola Salau and Segun Balogun, who failed to provide a satisfactory account of how they came into possession of it.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of its original registration documents concealed beneath the carpet. Detectives traced the rightful owner in Ede, Osun State, who confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen during a violent armed robbery attack on his residence on June 23, 2026, when about five armed men robbed him and members of his family before making away with the vehicle.

— DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command

One-Chance Robbery Syndicate Dismantled in Ibafo

In another operation, detectives attached to the Ibafo Division dismantled a suspected one-chance robbery syndicate following a complaint by a woman who alleged that she was dispossessed of her Samsung A16 mobile phone valued at ₦295,000 and ₦120,000 cash by unknown men operating a one-chance vehicle. Acting on intelligence, police arrested Emmanuel Friday and Tunde Abioye at Freeway Hotel, Magboro, and recovered a Toyota Camry allegedly used as the syndicate's operational vehicle.

The victim positively identified the suspects, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional stolen property before prosecution.

— DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi

₦1.276m Travel Fraud Suspect Arrested via Gateway Shield Platform

The Command also arrested Ankpa James over an alleged travel fraud after a 21-year-old complainant accused him of obtaining ₦1.276 million under the false pretence of facilitating his travel to Luxembourg. Police said the arrest followed a distress report received through the Command's Gateway Shield emergency platform.

During interrogation, the suspect admitted involvement in the offence, while N1.1 million was recovered and released to the complainant on bond. The suspect will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigation.

— DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi

Suspect Who Attacked Officers Linked to Eiye Confraternity

Similarly, operatives of the Adatan Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, arrested Tunde Ogunseye during a coordinated raid. According to the police, the suspect allegedly attempted to attack operatives with a locally fabricated pistol but was subdued.

A search of his residence led to the recovery of another locally fabricated pistol. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a member of the Eiye Confraternity and is also allegedly involved in the sale of illicit drugs. He has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.

— DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi

Armed Robbery Targeting Students Foiled in Ode-Remo

In Ode-Remo, police foiled an armed robbery targeting students at Itun-Raye after responding to a distress call that hoodlums armed with guns and cutlasses were attacking residents. The suspects reportedly fled into a nearby bush on sighting security operatives, abandoning several items, including one locally made Dane gun, two expended cartridges, one HP EliteBook laptop, three power banks, one rechargeable touch light, nine iPhones, seven Samsung Android phones, one Itel Android phone and other personal belongings.

Police later arrested Owodunni Seun near the crime scene.

Preliminary investigation revealed that he is a habitual offender who had previously been charged and convicted for receiving stolen property. He could not give a satisfactory account of his presence at the scene and is assisting the police with ongoing investigation.

— DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi

CP Ojajuni Commends Officers, Reaffirms Commitment to Intelligence-Led Policing

Commending the officers involved, CP Bode Ojajuni praised their professionalism, vigilance, courage and swift operational response. He reiterated the Command's commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, inter-agency collaboration and sustained pressure against criminal elements across the state.

The Command will continue to deploy all lawful operational strategies to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across Ogun State.

— CP Bode Ojajuni, Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and support the police with timely, credible and actionable information to aid crime prevention and the arrest of criminal elements.