So-Safe Corps arrests two for burglary, theft of aluminium materials in Ogun
Operatives from the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, known as So-Safe Corps, have apprehended two individuals suspected of burglary and theft of aluminum materials in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The suspects, Bolaji Onifade, 67, a land agent, and Amiru Abdulahi, 27, a scavenger, were arrested in Shonekan Town, specifically in the Ayodapo Peace Land Community Development Association area.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Corps’ spokesperson, Assistant Commandant Adegunwa Adegbuyi, noted that the arrests followed a distress call made around 11:45 a.m. on Friday. The call came from the Chairman of the Ayodapo Peace Land CDA, alerting the Divisional Officer of the Onireke Division, Senior Commander Jinadu Okikiola, to the presence of suspected thieves in the community, one of whom managed to escape during the initial engagement.
Following the report, the Divisional Officer, along with Operations Officer Assistant Commander Taofeek Omidiran, responded to the scene where they encountered one of the suspects. He subsequently revealed that his accomplice had fled, leading the officers to devise a strategy to apprehend the second suspect.
In a coordinated effort, the Divisional Officer utilized the first suspect’s mobile phone to contact the second suspect, instructing him to claim he had been released and required assistance to return home. Approximately one hour later, the second suspect notified the first suspect that he was at KA Fueling Station in Ogbayo.
The Operations Officer, accompanied by the first suspect on a motorcycle, visited the location under the guise of a routine trip and succeeded in identifying and arresting the second suspect.
Both individuals were taken to the division for interrogation. During questioning, they reportedly admitted to previously stealing aluminum window materials from the site, taking advantage of the quiet surroundings during work hours and nearby bushland. They further confessed to returning on October 30 to remove additional materials for sale.
A sack belonging to the second suspect was discovered to contain scissors and side-cutting pliers, which he claimed were tools used in the theft.
The State Commander, Ganzallo, praised the officers for their swift and strategic response, emphasizing the successful collaboration with community members. He urged residents and CDA chairmen to clear overgrown areas and maintain clean surroundings to minimize potential hiding spots for criminals.
Both suspects and the recovered items have been turned over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Ifo Divisional Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.
