Kwara state Police Command has paraded a suspected one-man notorious interstate phone thief, as well as kidnappers, armed robbers, among others, in Ilorin, the state capital.
Speaking with journalists during the parade, the state commissioner of police, Victor Olaiya, said that the suspect, Shola Adigun Samuel, confessed to be a lone operator with modus operandi of specialising in breaking into residences at night while occupants are asleep.
The police boss also said that the suspect, who travelled from Moniya Area of the Akinyele local government area of Oyo state to Ilorin, Kwara state, to steal phones, was tracked and arrested by detectives of the command.
He said: “On April 13, 2024, at about 0600hrs, our detectives successfully tracked and arrested one Shola Adigun Samuel of Moniya Area, Akinyele L.G.A, Oyo State. This arrest was made possible through the diligent tracking of a Samsung Galaxy A71 handset reported stolen on February 16, 2024, in GRA Ilorin, property of Mr. Chima Onyeagu of Olorunshogo Street, GRA Ilorin.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to his modus operandi, specializing in breaking into residence at night while occupants are sleep, searching for handsets and other valuable items. He further divulged that Soji Akinola, residing in Abuja, was the recipient of these stolen phones.
“Subsequently, seven assorted phones, including the Samsung Galaxy A71, were recovered from the suspect. All recovered handsets have been identified by their respective owners. Notably, the suspect conducted a raid on Meduku Street, Sango Area, Ilorin, on April 11, 2024, where he stole six assorted handsets.
“Shola Adigun Samuel confessed to being a lone operator from Ibadan. Efforts are currently underway to track down the receiver in Abuja. Further developments will be communicated in due course.”
The Command also reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest law enforcement agency.”
Also paraded were suspected male kidnappers, Isah Umaru and Umaru Maanu, who allegedly held their victims captive, utilising one of the victims’ phones in demanding for ransom from Hon. Ayansola Lawal who is the husband to one of the victims.
“On October 8, 2023, an unfortunate incident occurred in Paasa Igbokedu area, Asa Local Government, where Mr. Atilola Sarafa was forcefully abducted from his residence. Additionally, Mrs. Afusat Lawal, along with two of her children, Lawal Taofik and Lawal Aliyu, were kidnapped from Okoolowo Express road, Shao, on the 16th of October, 2023. These incidents sent shockwaves through the community, instilling fear and concern among residents.
“Through diligent investigative and cooperation from the community, the Kwara State Police Command made a breakthrough in the case.
“On March 26, 2024, One Isah Umaru of Sokoto village was apprehended based on valuable intelligence. Mr. Umaru confessed to his involvement in the case of kidnapping which led to the arrest of Mr. Umaru Maanu, who is currently in custody at the correctional center here in Ilorin.
“The victims were held captive together, and the perpetrators utilized Mr. Sarafa’s phone in demanding for ransom from Hon. Ayansola Lawal who is the husband to Mrs Afusat Lawal.
The Kwara State Police Command assures the public that thorough investigations are underway. Once completed, the suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, ensuring justice is served and restoring confidence in our communities.”
Also was a case of attempted kidnapping of Salaudeen Yusuf and Abubakar Gidan Samaila by one Tahiru Mohammed.
“The Oke-Ode Divisional Police Headquarters received a report on the 24th of March, 2024, regarding an attempted kidnapping incident involving individuals identified as Salaudeen Yusuf and Abubakar Gidan Samaila. The primary suspect, Tahiru Mohammed, allegedly threatened to abduct Alhaji Salaudeen Yusuf of Nawo village.
“Swift response ensued, with security operatives collaborating with vigilantes and local hunters to apprehend the suspect, Tahiru Mohammed, of Ayekale village. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to plotting the kidnapping without a clear motive.”