Police dismantle armed robbery and car‑snatching syndicate in Ogun

The Anti‑Robbery Squad of the Ogun State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Eleweran has arrested three individuals suspected of armed robbery and vehicle theft in Abeokuta and surrounding areas.

The suspects are 38‑year‑old Ismaila Israel Sokunbi, 37‑year‑old Kayode Adeyemi—who is believed to be the syndicate’s leader—and 55‑year‑old Kola Taiwo.

In a statement released to the media on Saturday, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said the arrests also resulted in the recovery of a stolen Toyota Corolla and several items linked to the criminal activities.

Babaseyi explained that the first suspect was taken into custody after a distress call was received at Obantoko Division, where armed men tried to seize a resident’s vehicle while he was opening the gate to his home.

The victim raised an alarm, drawing neighbors to the scene. While attempting to flee, the suspects lost control of the vehicle, crashed into a fence, and fled the area.

“When our operatives closed in, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled in a standby vehicle. During their escape, one suspect dropped an Infinix mobile phone and a Wema Bank ATM card, which were recovered as evidence,” Babaseyi said.

“Telecommunications analysis of the recovered items led our detectives to identify Ismaila Israel Sokunbi as a principal suspect with links to Kayode Adeyemi, the suspected kingpin in Ibadan, Oyo State,” the statement added.

The police spokesperson said the suspects were apprehended in the Oke‑Jigbo and Isale Abese areas of Abeokuta. During interrogation, they admitted being members of a syndicate responsible for multiple vehicle thefts in Abeokuta and nearby communities.

They also revealed that they specialized in stealing vehicles by tampering with ignition wiring systems.

In a separate operation, officers of the Ogun State Police Command arrested Kola Taiwo and recovered a stolen Toyota Corolla.

The police image maker noted that the investigation showed the suspect had been involved in several vehicle thefts along the Osiele axis, using master keys to gain access to parked vehicles.

All arrested suspects are in custody and will be charged in court after the investigation concludes.

“Efforts are ongoing to recover additional stolen vehicles and apprehend other members of the syndicate,” the statement further disclosed.

Meanwhile, Ogun State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustained proactive policing and a zero‑tolerance stance on violent crime.

He warned criminals to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, while assuring residents of continued safety and security across Ogun State.