Police rescue suspected “one-chance” robbers from angry mob, recover stolen phone

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested two suspected “one-chance” robbers terrorising Obantoko and its environs and recovered a stolen mobile phone belonging to a female victim.

The suspects, identified as Odunuga Kehinde and Olajide Rasak, were arrested following a distress call on Thursday reporting a robbery incident involving a female victim and her two sisters.

Available information indicated that the victims had boarded a Nissan Micra taxi painted in Ogun State colours from the Somorin area en route to NNPC Kuto, where they intended to connect another vehicle to Lagos after attending a wedding anniversary in the area.

However, at the OLG Somorin axis, the occupants of the vehicle allegedly diverted from the agreed destination, became unruly, and forcefully ejected the passengers.

After alighting from the vehicle, one of the victims discovered that her iPhone 12 Pro had been stolen and raised the alarm.

Upon receiving the distress alert, officers of the Obantoko Division swiftly mobilised to the scene and arrested the two suspects.

The police spokesperson in the state, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the development in a statement released on Friday.

Babaseyi noted that the prompt response of the operatives prevented possible mob action by agitated members of the public.

He added that the stolen phone was recovered from the suspects, while the alleged operational vehicle reportedly fled the scene.

He said, “Upon receiving the distress alert, operatives of Obantoko Division, in collaboration with members of the public, swiftly mobilised to the scene and arrested two suspects identified as Odunuga Kehinde and Olajide Rasak.

“The timely intervention of the police prevented possible mob action by agitated members of the public.

“The stolen iPhone 12 Pro was recovered from the suspects, while the alleged operational vehicle reportedly fled the scene.”

The PPRO disclosed that during interrogation, the suspects voluntarily confessed to the crime and the recovered exhibit was released to the owner.

Babaseyi added that further investigation to apprehend other members of the syndicate is ongoing.

In his reaction, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the swift response, professionalism, and synergy between officers of Obantoko Division and members of the public, which culminated in the successful arrest of the suspects and recovery of the stolen property.

The CP further reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention strategies across the State.

He equally urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or criminal activities through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency Lines: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, 0708 497 2994.